SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
----------------------------------
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
----------------------------------
For Quarter Ended March 31, 1999 Commission file no. 0-10546
-------------- -------
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 36-2229304
- ------------------------------- ---------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone no., including area code: (847) 827-9666
--------------
Not applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 10,563,822 Shares, $1 par
value, as of April 16, 1999.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<CAPTION>
(Amounts in thousands, except share data) March 31, December 31,
1999 1998
---------- -----------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,491 $ 13,872
Marketable securities 11,220 13,816
Accounts receivable, less allowance for 35,137 35,255
doubtful accounts
Inventories (Note B) 46,414 46,670
Miscellaneous receivables and prepaid 7,614 7,533
expenses
Deferred income taxes 1,284 1,256
--------- ---------
Total Current Assets 118,160 118,402
Marketable securities 13,284 11,020
Property, plant and equipment, less
allowances for depreciation and
amortization 42,233 41,142
Investments in real estate 4,202 4,054
Deferred income taxes 6,768 6,747
Other assets 19,309 17,617
--------- ---------
Total Assets $ 203,956 $ 198,982
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 5,848 $ 5,113
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 21,039 22,405
Income taxes 5,744 3,283
--------- ---------
Total Current Liabilities 32,631 30,801
--------- ---------
Accrued liability under security bonus plans 15,421 15,315
Other 10,036 9,931
--------- ---------
25,457 25,246
--------- ---------
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, $1 par value: --- ---
Authorized - 500,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - None
Common Stock, $1 par value: 10,624 10,664
Authorized - 35,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - (1999- 10,623,822 shares; 1998 -
10,663,822 shares)
Capital in excess of par value 747 749
Retained earnings 135,208 132,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income (711) (687)
--------- ---------
Total Stockholders' Equity 145,868 142,935
--------- ---------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' $ 203,956 $ 198,982
========= =========
Equity
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
1999 1998
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales $74,148 $70,363
Cost of goods sold (Note B) 25,837 24,828
------- -------
Gross Profit 48,311 45,535
Selling, general and administrative expenses 39,925 38,448
------- -------
Operating income 8,386 7,087
Investment and other income 606 641
------- -------
Income before income taxes 8,992 7,728
Provision for income taxes 3,715 3,205
------- -------
Net income $ 5,277 $ 4,523
======= =======
Net income per share of common stock: $ 0.50 $ 0.41
======= =======
Basic
Diluted $ 0.50 $ 0.40
======= =======
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock $ 0.14 $ 0.14
======= =======
Weighted average shares outstanding: 10,651 11,135
======= =======
Basic
Diluted 10,651 11,175
======= =======
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands)
For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
1999 1998
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Net income $ 5,277 $ 4,523
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,594 1,403
Changes in operating assets and liabilities 26 1,330
Other 325 517
-------- --------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 7,222 7,773
-------- --------
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,546) (2,601)
Purchases of marketable securities (36,355) (59,005)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 36,617 61,171
Other 15 100
-------- --------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (2,269) (335)
-------- --------
Financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock (841) ---
Dividends paid (1,493) (1,559)
Other --- 8
-------- --------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (2,334) (1,551)
-------- --------
Increase in Cash and Cash 2,619 5,887
Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of
Period 13,872 10,248
-------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 16,491 $ 16,135
======== ========
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Part I
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------
A) As contemplated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the accompanying
consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been condensed and
therefore, do not contain all disclosures required by generally accepted
accounting principles. Reference should be made to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. The Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1999, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 and the
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 are unaudited. In the opinion of the Company, all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) have been made, which
are necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the interim
periods. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending
December 31, 1999.
B) Inventories (consisting of primarily finished goods) at March 31, 1999 and
cost of goods sold for the three month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
were determined through the use of estimated gross profit rates. The difference
between actual and estimated gross profit is adjusted in the fourth quarter. In
1998, this adjustment increased net income by approximately $1,146,000.
C) As of January 1, 1998, the Company adopted FASB Statement 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," (SFAS 130). SFAS 130 establishes new rules for reporting
and display of comprehensive income and its components; however, the adoption of
this Statement had no impact on the Company's net income or stockholders'
equity. SFAS 130 requires unrealized gains or losses on the Company's
available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments to be
included in other comprehensive income, which prior to adoption were reported
separately in stockholders' equity.
<PAGE>
Total comprehensive income and its components, net of related tax, for the first
quarter of 1999 and 1998 are as follows:
1999 1998
---- ----
Net income $ 5,277,034 $ 4,522,749
Unrealized gains(losses) on securities (54,000) 148,000
Foreign currency translation
adjustments 29,829 447,858
----------- -----------
Comprehensive income $ 5,252,863 $ 5,118,607
=========== ===========
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax, at
March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 are as follows:
1999 1998
---- ----
Unrealized gain on securities $ 614,000 $ 668,000
Foreign currency translation
adjustments (1,325,242) (1,355,071)
---------------------------
Accumulated other
comprehensive income $ (711,242) $ (687,071)
===========================
D) Earnings per Share
The calculation of dilutive weighted average shares outstanding at March 31,
1999 and 1998 are as follows:
1999 1998
---- ----
Basic weighted average shares
outstanding 10,651,322 11,135,383
Dilutive impact of options
outstanding --- 39,388
----------------------
Dilutive weighted average
shares outstanding 10,651,322 11,174,771
======================
<PAGE>
Independent Accountants' Review Report
Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Lawson
Products, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1999 and the related condensed
consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three month periods
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, which will be performed for the full year
with the objective of expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements
taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements referred
to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Lawson Products, Inc. as of
December 31, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended, not presented
herein, and in our report dated February 26, 1999, we expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the
information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 1998, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation
to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
April 16, 1999
<PAGE>
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999,
contains certain forward-looking statements pertaining to the Year 2000 Issue
and other matters. These statements are subject to uncertainties and other
factors which could cause actual events or results to vary materially from those
anticipated.
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
------------------------------------
Net sales for the three month period ended March 31, 1999 rose 5.4% to
$74,148,000 relative to the similar period of 1998. The sales gain reflects
increased contribution from substantially all Lawson operations.
Net income advanced 16.7% to $5,277,000 ($.50 per diluted share) for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 from $4,523,000 ($.40 per share) for the comparable
period of 1998. This gain is attributable to higher gross margins, cost
containment efforts and the increase in net sales noted above. Per share net
income for 1999 and 1998 was positively impacted by the Company's share
repurchase program.
Cash flows provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999
decreased to $7,222,000 from $7,773,000 in the similar period of the prior year.
This decline was due primarily to a smaller increase in operating liabilities
(principally accounts payable and income taxes payable) from 1998 levels as
compared to the increase noted from 1997 to 1998, which more than offset the
gain in net income from the comparable period of 1998. Current investments and
cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to finance the
Company's future growth, cash dividends and capital expenditures. Additions to
property, plant and equipment were $2,546,000 and $2,601,000, respectively, for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998. Capital expenditures during 1999
and 1998 primarily reflect costs incurred relative to the construction of a new
Lawson outbound facility in Atlanta, Georgia and purchases of computer related
equipment. The new facility, expected to be completed during 1999 at a cost of
approximately $7,000,000, will be used in place of the Norcross, Georgia
facility, which will be sold.
During the first quarter of 1999, the Company purchased 40,000 shares of its own
common stock for approximately $841,000, relative to the Board's 1996
authorization to repurchase 1,000,000 shares. No shares were purchased during
the quarter ended March 31, 1998. To date, 991,500 shares have been purchased
relative to the 1996 stock repurchase program. All shares purchased as of March
31, 1999 have been retired. Funds to purchase these shares were provided by
<PAGE>
investments and cash flows from operations. In 1998, the Board of Directors
authorized the purchase of up to 500,000 additional shares of the Company's
common stock, of which none had been purchased as of March 31, 1999.
The Company has developed a plan to modify its information technology to
recognize the Year 2000 Issue. The Year 2000 Issue involves computer programs
being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year.
Computer programs or hardware that have date-sensitive software or embedded
chips may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000, which could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing
disruptions in the processing of normal business transactions.
Based on the Company's assessment of the Year 2000 Issue, it has been determined
that it will be required to modify or replace portions of its software and
certain hardware to insure the proper recognition of dates beyond December 31,
1999. The Company presently believes that with modifications or replacements of
certain existing software and hardware, the Year 2000 Issue can be mitigated.
The Company's plan to resolve the Year 2000 Issue involves the following four
phases: assessment, remediation, testing, and implementation. The Company has
fully completed its assessment of all systems that could be significantly
impacted by the Year 2000 and is currently converting its critical data
processing systems.
Based on a review of its product line, the Company has determined that the
products it has sold and will continue to sell do not require remediation to be
Year 2000 compliant. Accordingly, the Company does not believe that the Year
2000 presents exposure as it relates to the Company's products.
The Company has contacted all of its suppliers and has gathered information
about their Year 2000 compliance status. To date, the Company is not aware of
any supplier with a Year 2000 issue that would have a material impact on the
operations of the Company. However, the Company does not have the means to
ensure that third parties will be Year 2000 ready. The inability of third
parties to complete their Year 2000 resolution process in a timely fashion could
materially impact the Company. The effect of non-compliance by third parties is
not determinable.
The Company will utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram, or
replace, test, and implement the software and operating equipment for Year 2000
modifications. This project remains on schedule, including testing and
<PAGE>
implementation. The Company presently believes all phases of the conversion will
be completed by the end of the second quarter of 1999 at a total cost of
approximately $500,000, of which $400,000 of expense has been incurred as of
March 31, 1999. These costs are primarily for modifying code and testing
computer software programs. This project is not expected to have a significant
effect on operations.
If the Company is unsuccessful in its remediation efforts or if the remediation
efforts of its key suppliers or customers are unsuccessful, there may be a
material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and financial
position. If the Year 2000 Issue project is unsuccessful, the worst case
scenario is that the Company will be unable to distribute its products. As the
Company cannot predict the magnitude or time length of Year 2000 business
interruptions, the Company is unable to estimate the financial impact of Year
2000 issues. The Company does not currently have a contingency plan although one
is under development.
Although the project is not yet complete, the management of the Company believes
it has an effective program in place to resolve the Year 2000 Issue in a timely
manner. The Company is committed to providing the necessary resources, including
additional funding and manpower, as required, until such time that all phases of
the Year 2000 project are completed.
<PAGE>
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
-----------------
Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are inapplicable and have been omitted from this report.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) 3(ii) By-laws of the Company
15 Letter from Ernst & Young LLP regarding
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) The registrant was not required to file a Current Report
on Form 8-K for the most recently completed quarter.
<PAGE>
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 thereunto duly authorized.
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
(Registrant)
Dated April 16, 1999 /s/ Bernard Kalish
------------------ ------------------------------
Bernard Kalish
Chairman of the Board
Dated April 16, 1999 /s/ Joseph L. Pawlick
------------------- -------------------------------
Joseph L. Pawlick
Vice President and Controller
Exhibit 3(ii)
LAWSON-PRODUCTS, INC.
---------------------
BY-LAWS
-------
* * *
ARTICLE I
---------
OFFICES
-------
Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation
shall be maintained in the City of Dover, State of Delaware, and the registered
agent in charge thereof is United States Corporation Company.
Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have an office in
the City of Des Plaines, State of Illinois and at such other places as the Board
of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation
may require.
ARTICLE II
----------
STOCKHOLDERS MEETINGS
---------------------
Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of the stockholders,
whether annual or special, shall be held at the offices of the Corporation in
Des Plaines, Illinois, or at such other place as may be fixed from time to time
by the Board of Directors.
Section 2.2 Annual Meetings. An annual meeting of the stockholders
shall be held in May in each year on such date and at such time as may from time
to time be determined by the Board of Directors, at which the stockholders shall
elect directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought
before the meeting.
Section 2.3 Notice of Meeting. Written notice of the annual meeting
stating the place, date and hour of the meeting, shall be given not less than
ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder
entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in
the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his
address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.
Section 2.4 Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. At an annual meeting
of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been
properly brought before an annual meeting. To be properly brought before an
annual meeting, business must be (i) specified in the notice of the meeting (or
any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors,
(ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the
Board of Directors or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a
stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of
giving of notice provided for in this Section, who is entitled to vote at the
meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section.
For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder,
the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the
Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the
<PAGE>
Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered not less
than 90 days nor more than 110 days prior to the first anniversary of the
preceding year's meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of
the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60
days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must
be so delivered not later than the 10th day following the day on which public
announcement (as defined herein) of the date of such meeting is first made.
Such stockholder's notice shall set forth as to each matter
the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief
description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the
reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any interest in such
business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf
the proposal is made; and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the
beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made (A) the name and
address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and the
name and address of such beneficial owner, (B) the class and number of shares of
the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder
and such beneficial owner as of the date such notice is given, and (C) a
representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at
the meeting to propose such business; (iii) in the event that such business
includes a proposal to amend either the Certificate of Incorporation or the
Bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment and (iv) if
the stockholder intends to solicit proxies in support of such stockholder's
proposal, a representation to that effect. The foregoing notice requirements
shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder if the stockholder has notified the
Corporation of his or her intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting
and such stockholder's proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has
been prepared by management of the Corporation to solicit proxies for such
annual meeting; provided, however, that if such stockholder does not appear or
send a qualified representative to present such proposal at such annual meeting,
the Corporation need not present such proposal for a vote at such a meeting,
notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by
the Corporation. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no
business shall be conducted at any annual meeting except in accordance with this
paragraph, and the Chairman of the Board or other person presiding at an annual
meeting of stockholders, may refuse to permit any business to be brought before
an annual meeting without compliance with the foregoing procedures or if the
stockholder solicits proxies in support of such stockholder's proposal without
such stockholder having made the representation required by clause (iv) of the
second preceding sentence. For the purposes of this paragraph "public
announcement" shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones
News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a
document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). In addition to the provisions of this
paragraph, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the
matters set forth herein. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any
rights of the stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the
Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Section 2.5 Stockholders List. At least ten days before every meeting
of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said
meeting, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the address of each
stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder,
<PAGE>
shall be prepared, or caused to be prepared, by the Secretary. 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 days prior
to the meeting at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also
be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time
thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
Section 2.6 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders, for
any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the
Certificate of Incorporation, may be called by the Chairman of the Executive
Committee, if any, the Chairman of the Board or by the President and shall be
called by the Secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of
Directors. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed
meeting. Unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Certificate of
Incorporation, stockholders of this Corporation shall not be entitled to request
a special meeting of stockholders.
Section 2.7 Notice of Special Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by
statute, written notice of a special meeting, stating the place, date and hour
of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called,
shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the
meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, notice
is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to
the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.
Section 2.8 Quorum. The holders of a majority of the total voting power
of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall be requisite and shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of
business except as otherwise provided by statute, by the Certificate of
Incorporation or by these By-Laws. If, however, such quorum shall not be present
or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to
vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have the power to
adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at
the meeting, of the place, date and hour of the adjourned meeting, until a
quorum shall again be present or represented by proxy. At the adjourned meeting
at which a quorum shall be present or represented by proxy, the Corporation may
transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
If the adjournment is for more than thirty 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 2.9 Voting. When a quorum is present at any meeting, and
subject to the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws in respect of the
vote that shall be required for a specified action, the vote of the holders of a
majority of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Corporation, present in person or represented by proxy, shall be
determinative of any question brought before such meeting, unless the question
is one upon which, by express provision of the statutes or of the Certificate of
Incorporation or of these By-Laws, a different vote is required in which case
such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
Each stockholder shall have one vote for each share of stock having voting power
registered in his name on the books of the Corporation, except as otherwise
provided in the Certificate of Incorporation.
<PAGE>
Section 2.10 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of
stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing
without a meeting may in writing authorize another person or persons to act for
him by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years
from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period not to exceed ten
years.
Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize
another person or persons to act for him as proxy, a stockholder may validly
authorize another person or persons to act for him as proxy by: (a) executing a
writing to that effect, which execution may be accomplished by the stockholder
or his authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing the writing or
causing his signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means
including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature; or (b) transmitting or
authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram, or other means of
electronic transmission 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
transmission, provided that any telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic
transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which
it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic
transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that any
telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission submitted pursuant to
clause (b) above is valid, the inspectors shall specify the information upon
which they relied. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable
reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to this paragraph
may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for
any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be
used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction
shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.
Section 2.11 Elimination of Right to Act by Consent. No action required
to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of
stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, and the power of
stockholders to consent in writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any
action is specifically denied.
Section 2.12 Voting Procedures and Inspectors of Elections.
(a) The Corporation, by action of the Secretary, shall, in
advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors
to act at the meeting of stockholders and make a written report
thereof. The Corporation 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 person
presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at
the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his
duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of
inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his
ability.
(b) The inspectors shall (i) ascertain the number of shares
outstanding and the voting power of each, (ii) determine the shares
represented at a meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (iii)
count all votes and ballots, (iv) determine and retain for a reasonable
period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any
determination by the inspectors, and (v) certify their determination of
the number of shares represented at the meeting and their count of all
<PAGE>
votes and ballots. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons
or entities to assist them in the performance of their duties.
(c) The date and time of the opening and the closing of the
polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a
meeting shall be announced at the meeting. No ballot, proxies or votes,
nor any revocations thereof or changes thereto, shall be accepted by
the inspectors after the closing of the polls unless the Court of
Chancery upon application by a stockholder shall determine otherwise.
(d) In determining the validity and counting of proxies and
ballots, the inspectors shall be limited to an examination of the
proxies, any envelopes submitted with those proxies, any information
provided in accordance with clause (b) of Section 2.10 of these
By-Laws, ballots and the regular books and records of the Corporation,
except that the inspectors may consider other reliable information for
the limited purpose of reconciling proxies and ballots submitted by or
on behalf of banks, brokers, their nominees or similar persons which
represent more votes than the holder of a proxy is authorized by the
record owner to cast or more votes than the stockholder holds of
record. If the inspectors consider other reliable information for the
limited purpose permitted herein, the inspectors, at the time they make
their certification pursuant to subsection (b)(v) of this Section,
shall specify the specific information considered by them, including
the person or persons from whom they obtained the information, when the
information was obtained, the means by which the information was
obtained and the basis for the inspectors belief that the information
is accurate and reliable.
ARTICLE III
-----------
DIRECTORS
---------
Section 3.1 General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation
shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may
exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such acts and things as
are not by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware nor by the
Certificate of Incorporation nor by these By-Laws directed or required to be
exercised or done by the stockholders.
Section 3.2 Number of Directors, Classes, Terms and Election;
Vacancies. The number of directors shall not be less than five nor more than
nine, the exact number of directors to be determined from time to time by
resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, and such exact number shall
be nine until otherwise determined by resolution adopted by a majority of the
whole Board. As used in this Article, a whole Board means the total number of
directors which at the time are to constitute the Board of Directors, either as
designated in this Section or as determined by the Board of Directors in
accordance herewith, as the case may be. No decrease in the number of directors
constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes as nearly
equal in number as possible, with the term of office of Class I expiring at the
annual meeting of stockholders in 1983, of Class II expiring at the annual
meeting of stockholders in 1984, and of Class III expiring at the annual meeting
of stockholders in 1985. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors
<PAGE>
chosen to succeed those whose terms then expire shall be elected for a term of
office expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after
their election.
If the office of any director or directors becomes vacant by reason of
death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office, or
otherwise, or a new directorship is created, a majority of the remaining
directors, though less than a quorum, shall choose a successor or successors, or
a director to fill the newly created directorship. Directors elected to fill a
vacancy shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting at which the
term of the class to which they shall have been elected expires.
Section 3.3 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders
of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, (a) any director, or the
entire Board of Directors may be removed at any time, but only for cause; and
(b) the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the total voting
power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one
class) outstanding at the time a determination is made shall be required to
remove a director from office.
Section 3.4 Place of Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold its
meetings outside of the State of Delaware, at the office of the Corporation or
at such other places as they may from time to time determine, or as shall be
fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice of such meetings.
Section 3.5 Committees of Directors. The Board of Directors may, by
resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one
or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of
the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
Members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers
and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the
power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of Incorporation,
adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to the
stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the
Corporation's property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a
dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution, or amendment to
the By-Laws of the Corporation; and, unless the resolution, By-Laws, or
Certificate of Incorporation expressly so provide, no such committee shall have
the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of
stock. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be
determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.
The committees shall keep regular minutes of their proceedings and report the
same to the Board of Directors when required.
Section 3.6 Compensation of Directors. Directors, as such, may receive
such stated salary for their services and/or such fixed sums and expenses of
attendance for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of
Directors as may be established by resolution of the Board; provided that
nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from
serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation
therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like
compensation for attending committee meetings.
Section 3.7 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be held within ten days after the annual meeting of the
stockholders in each year. Notice of such meeting, unless waived, shall be given
<PAGE>
by mail or telegram to each director elected at such annual meeting, at his
address as the same may appear on the records of the Corporation, or in the
absence of such address, at his residence or usual place of business, at least
three days before the day on which such meeting is to be held. Said meeting may
be held at such place as the Board may fix from time to time or as may be
specified or fixed in such notice or waiver thereof.
Section 3.8 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held at any time on the call of the Chairman of the Executive
Committee (if any), the Chairman of the Board or President or at the request in
writing made to either of said Chairman or the President of any three directors.
Notice of any such meeting, unless waived, shall be given by mail or telegram to
each director at his address as the same appears on the records of the
Corporation not less than one day prior to the day on which such meeting is to
be held if such notice is by telegram, and not less than three days prior to the
day on which the meeting is to be held if such notice is by mail. If the
Secretary shall fail or refuse to give such notice, then the notice may be given
by the officer to whom the request is made or by any one of the directors making
the call. Any such meeting may be held at such place as the Board may fix from
time to time or as may be specified or fixed in such notice or waiver thereof.
Any meeting of the Board of Directors shall be a legal meeting without any
notice thereof having been given, if all the directors shall be present thereat,
and no notice of a meeting shall be required to be given to any director who
shall attend such meeting.
Section 3.9 Action Without Meeting; Participation at Meeting by
Telephone. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the
Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if a
written consent to such action is signed by all members of the Board or of such
committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.
Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the
Board, may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee by means of
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a
meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting.
Section 3.10 Quorum and Manner of Acting. Except as otherwise provided
in these By-Laws, a majority of the total number of directors as at the time
specified by the By-Laws shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special
meeting of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided by statute, by
the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these By-Laws, the vote of a majority of
the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the
act of the Board of Directors. In case of an equality of votes on any question
before the Board of Directors of the Corporation, the Director who holds the
office of Chairman of the Executive Committee, if any, Chairman of the Board, or
the President (if a director), in that order if present, shall have a second and
deciding vote. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the directors present
may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present.
Notice of any adjourned meeting need not be given, except that notice shall be
given to all directors if the adjournment is for more than thirty days.
ARTICLE IV
----------
OFFICERS
--------
<PAGE>
Section 4.1 Executive Officers. The executive officers of the
Corporation shall be a Chairman of the Executive Committee (if such a committee
is established in the manner prescribed by Section 3.5 of these By-Laws) , a
Chairman of the Board, President or Office of the President established in the
manner prescribed by Section 4.17 of these by-laws, one or more Executive Vice
Presidents, one or more Senior Vice Presidents, such number of Vice Presidents,
if any, as the Board of Directors may determine, a Secretary and a Treasurer.
One person may hold any number of said offices.
Section 4.2 Election, Term of Office and Eligibility. The executive
officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors
at its annual meeting or at a special meeting held in lieu thereof. Each
officer, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the
provisions of Section 4.3, shall hold office until his successor shall have been
duly elected or appointed and qualified or until his death, resignation or
removal. The Chairman of the Board shall be and remain a member of the Board of
Directors. None of the other officers need be members of the Board.
Section 4.3 Subordinate Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint
such Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, Controller and other officers,
and such agents as the Board may determine, to hold office for such period and
with such authority and to perform such duties as the Board may from time to
time determine. The Board may, by specific resolution, empower the chief
executive officer of the Corporation or the Executive Committee to appoint any
such subordinate officers or agents.
Section 4.4 Removal. The Chairman of the Executive Committee, the
Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President, the Secretary and/or
the Treasurer may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, but only
by the affirmative vote of the majority of the total number of directors as at
the time specified by the By-Laws. Any subordinate officer appointed pursuant to
Section 4.3 may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by the
majority vote of the directors present at any meeting of the Board or by any
committee or officer empowered to appoint such subordinate officers.
Section 4.5 The Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Chairman of
the Executive Committee shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors
and to such limitations as are imposed by statute, the Articles of
Incorporation, and these By-Laws, be responsible for planning the future course
and direction of the business of this Corporation and developing a program for
the implementation thereof. Such responsibilities may include, but shall not be
limited to, initiating programs for the development of new executive positions
within this Corporation, the establishment of requirements and qualifications of
personnel to fill such positions, determining potential new product categories,
and exploring the utilization of new and more sophisticated operating and
general business techniques. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the
Chairman of the Executive Committee shall act as Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and shall administer and be responsible for the management of the
business and affairs of this Corporation.
Section 4.6 The Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall
be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. Subject to the control vested
in the Board of Directors by statute, by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by
these By-Laws, he shall administer and be responsible for the overall management
of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings
<PAGE>
of the stockholders and the Board of Directors; and in general, shall perform
all duties incident to the office of the Chairman of the Board and such other
duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.7 The President. The President shall have authority to see
that all resolutions of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee
are carried into effect, shall perform such duties as are incident to the office
of President or as may from time to time be assigned by the Chairman of the
Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, or the Board of Directors, and,
if the President is a director, in the absence or disability of the Chairman of
the Board, shall perform the duties of the Chairman of the Board.
Section 4.8 The Executive Vice Presidents. In the absence of the
Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board and the
President, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the Executive
Vice President (or in the event there be more than one Executive Vice President,
Executive Vice Presidents in the order designated, or in the absence of any
designation, in the order elected) shall perform the duties of the Chairman of
the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board and the President. Each
Executive Vice President shall perform such other duties as from time to time
may be assigned to him by the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Chairman
of the Board, the President or by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.9 The Vice Presidents. In the event of the absence or
disability of the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the
Board, the President and/or all Executive Vice Presidents, each senior Vice
President, in the order of his seniority, which shall be in the order of his
election, and then each Vice President, in the order of his seniority, shall
perform the duties of such officers. The Vice Presidents shall also perform such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Chairman of the
Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, the President, Executive Vice
Presidents or by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Section 4.10 The Secretary. The Secretary shall:
(a) Keep the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders and of the
Board of Directors;
(b) See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the
provisions of these By-Laws or as required by law;
(c) Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation and
see that the seal or a facsimile or equivalent thereof is affixed to or
reproduced on all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation
under its seal is duly authorized;
(d) Have charge of the stock record books of the Corporation, unless
the same shall be entrusted by the Board of Directors to a registrar or transfer
agent, in which case the registrar or transfer agent shall have charge of same;
(e) In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary,
and such other duties as are provided by these By-Laws and as from time to time
are assigned to him by the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Chairman of
the Board, the President or the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
<PAGE>
Section 4.11 The Assistant Secretaries. If one or more Assistant
Secretaries shall be appointed pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3
respecting subordinate officers, then, at the request of the Secretary, or in
his absence or disability, the Assistant Secretary designated by the Secretary
(or in the absence of such designations, then any one of such Assistant
Secretaries) shall perform the duties of the Secretary and when so acting shall
have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
Secretary.
Section 4.12 The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
(a) Receive and be responsible for all funds of and securities owned or
held by the Corporation and, in connection therewith, among other things: keep
or cause to be kept full and accurate records and accounts for the Corporation;
deposit or cause to be deposited to the credit of the Corporation all moneys,
funds and securities so received in such bank or other depository as the Board
of Directors or an officer designated by the Board may from time to time
establish; and disburse or supervise the disbursement of the funds of the
Corporation as may be properly authorized;
(b) Render to the Board of Directors at any meeting thereof, or from
time to time whenever the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer of
the Corporation may require, financial and other appropriate reports on the
condition of the Corporation;
(c) In general, perform all the duties incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Section 4.13 The Assistant Treasurers. If one or more Assistant
Treasurers shall be appointed pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3
respecting subordinate officers, then, at the request of the Treasurer, or in
his absence or disability, the Assistant Treasurer designated by the Treasurer
(or in the absence of such designation, then any one of such Assistant
Treasurers) shall perform all the duties of the Treasurer and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
Treasurer.
Section 4.14 Salaries. The salaries of the officers shall be fixed from
time to time by the Board of Directors, and no officer shall be prevented from
receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the
Corporation.
Section 4.15 Bonds. If the Board of Directors or the chief executive
officer shall so require, any officer or agent of the Corporation shall give
bond to the Corporation in such amount and with such surety as the Board of
Directors or the chief executive officer, as the case may be, may deem
sufficient, conditioned upon the faithful performance of their respective duties
and offices.
Section 4.16 Delegation of Duties. In case of the absence of any
officer of the Corporation or for any other reason which may seem sufficient to
the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may, for the time being, delegate
his powers and duties, or any of them, to any other officer or to any director.
Section 4.17 Office of the President. Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, the Board of Directors of the Corporation may at any time, and
from time to time, (i) designate, in lieu of a President, an Office of the
<PAGE>
President or (ii) disband such Office of the President in favor of a President.
The Office of the President shall consist of at least two, but not more than
three employees of the Corporation, elected by the Board of Directors. Each
member of the Office of the President shall perform such duties as may be
prescribed by the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors and shall have
the same duties and powers as a President of the Corporation hereunder;
provided, however, that (i) the Board of Directors of the Corporation may, by
resolution, designate only certain members of the Office of the President who
may exercise certain authority of a President hereunder, and (ii) the approval
of at least two members of the Office of the President shall be required for all
actions of the Office of the President including, but not limited to, the
following:
(a) Calling for a special meeting of stockholders
pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof;
(b) Calling for a special meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.8
hereof;
(c) Casting the deciding vote on any question before the
Board of Directors of the Corporation pursuant to
Section 3.10 if and only if all such members of the
Office of the President are also directors of the
Corporation. If only one member of the Office of the
President is a director, such member shall have
authority to cast the deciding vote pursuant to
Section 3.10 hereof; and
(d) Assign duties to any Executive Vice President, any
Vice President, the Secretary or the Treasurer.
ARTICLE V
---------
SHARES Of STOCK
---------------
Section 5.1 Regulation. Subject to the terms of any contract of the
Corporation, the Board of Directors may make such rules and regulations as it
may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of
certificates for shares of the stock of the Corporation, including the issue of
new certificates for lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, and including the
appointment of transfer agents and registrars.
Section 5.2 Stock Certificates. Certificates for shares of the stock of
the Corporation shall be respectively numbered serially for each class of stock,
or series thereof, as they are issued, shall be impressed with the corporate
seal or a facsimile thereof, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board,
the President or an Executive Vice President, and by the Secretary or Treasurer,
or an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer, provided that such
signatures may be facsimiles on any certificate countersigned by a transfer
agent other than the Corporation or its employee. Each certificate shall exhibit
the name of the Corporation, the class (or series of any class) and number of
shares represented thereby, the name of the holder, the par value of the shares
represented thereby, or that such shares are without par value. The powers,
designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other
<PAGE>
special rights of each class of stock and series of any class and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights
shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificates
which the Corporation shall issue, or such certificate shall contain 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. Each certificate shall be otherwise in such form as may be prescribed by
the Board of Directors.
Section 5.3 Transfer of Shares. Shares of the capital stock of the
Corporation shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder
thereof in person or by his duly authorized attorney, upon the surrender or
cancellation of a certificate or certificates for a like number of shares. Upon
presentation and surrender of a certificate properly endorsed and payment of all
taxes therefor, the transferee shall be entitled to a new certificate or
certificates in lieu thereof. As against the Corporation, a transfer of shares
can be made only on the books of the Corporation and in the manner hereinabove
provided, and the Corporation shall be entitled to treat the registered holder
of any share as the owner thereof and shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or other claim to or interest in such share on the part of any other
person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, save as
expressly provided by the statutes of the State of Delaware.
Section 5.4 Fixing Date for Determination Stockholders of Record. In
order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of
or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or
entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment
of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change,
conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action,
the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be
more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more
than sixty days prior to any other action.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to
vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the
adjourned meeting.
Section 5.5 Lost Certificate. Any stockholder claiming that a
certificate representing shares of stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed may
make an affidavit or affirmation of the fact and, if the Board of Directors so
requires, advertise the same in a manner designated by the Board, and give the
Corporation a bond of indemnity in form and with security for an amount
satisfactory to the Board (or an officer or officers designated by the Board),
whereupon a new certificate may be issued of the same tenor and representing the
same number, class and/or series of shares as were represented by the
certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
ARTICLE VI
----------
BOOKS AND RECORDS
-----------------
Section 6.1 Location. The books, accounts and records of the
Corporation may be kept at such place or places within or without the State of
Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Section 6.2 Inspection. The books, accounts and records of the
Corporation shall be open to inspection by any member of the Board of Directors
at all times; and open to inspection by the stockholders at such times, and
<PAGE>
subject to such regulations as the Board of Directors may prescribe, except as
otherwise provided by statute.
Section 6.3 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall contain two
concentric circles between which shall be the name of the Corporation and the
word Delaware and in the center shall be inscribed the words Corporate Seal.
ARTICLE VII
-----------
DIVIDENDS AND RESERVES
----------------------
Section 7.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Corporation (other than liquidating dividends) shall be declared
only from the earned surplus or net profits of the Corporation. Subject to the
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, and to any other lawful
commitments of the Corporation, and subject to applicable law, dividends may be
declared and made payable at such times and in such amounts as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine. Dividends may be declared at any
regular or special meeting of the Board and may be paid in cash or other
property or in the form of a stock dividend.
Section 7.2 Reserves. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may set
apart, out of any of the funds of the Corporation available for dividends, a
reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may increase, reduce or abolish
any such reserve.
ARTICLE VIII
------------
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
------------------------
Section 8.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end
an the 31st day of December of each year.
Section 8.2 Depositories. The Board of Directors or an officer
designated by the Board shall appoint banks, trust companies, or other
depositories in which shall be deposited from time to time the money or
securities of the Corporation.
Section 8.3 Checks, Drafts and Notes. All checks, drafts, or other
orders for the payment of money and all notes or other evidences of indebtedness
issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or
officers or agent or agents as shall from time to time be designated by
resolution of the Board of Directors or by an officer appointed by the Board.
Section 8.4 Contracts and Other Instruments. The Board of Directors may
authorize any officer, agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and
deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and such
authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 8.5 Notices. Whenever under the provisions of the statutes or
of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these By-Laws notice is required to be
given to any director or stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal
notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, by depositing the same
in a post office or letter box, in a postpaid sealed wrapper or by delivery to a
telegraph company, addressed to such director or stockholder at such address as
<PAGE>
appears on the records of the Corporation, and such notice shall be deemed to be
given at the time when the same shall be thus mailed or delivered to a telegraph
company.
Section 8.6 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be
given under the provisions of the statutes or of the Certificate of
Incorporation or of these By-Laws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the
person or persons entitled to said 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 such meeting, except when the
person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning
of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not
lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or
members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of
notice.
Section 8.7 Stock in Other Corporations. Any shares of stock in any
other Corporation which may from time to time be held by this Corporation may be
represented and voted at any meeting of shareholders of such Corporation by the
Chairman of the Executive Committee, if any, the Chairman of the Board, or the
President or an Executive Vice President, or by any other person or persons
thereunto authorized by the Board of Directors, or by any proxy designated by
written instrument of appointment executed in the name of this Corporation by
its Chairman of the Executive Committee, if any, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or an Executive Vice President. Shares of stock belonging to the
Corporation need not stand in the name of the Corporation, but may be held for
the benefit of the Corporation in the individual name of the Treasurer or of any
other nominee designated for the purpose by the Board of Directors. Certificates
for shares so held for the benefit of the Corporation shall be endorsed in blank
or have proper stock powers attached so that said certificates are at all times
in due form for transfer, and shall be held for safekeeping in such manner as
shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Section 8.8 Indemnification. (a) Each person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he, or a person of whom
he is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation or of a partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to
employee benefit plans, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the
Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the laws of Delaware as the same
now or may hereafter exist (but, in the case of any change, only to the extent
that such change authorizes the Corporation to provide broader indemnification
rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such change)
against all costs, charges, expenses, liabilities and losses (including
attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts
paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person
in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to
the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators. The right to
indemnification conferred in this Section shall be a contract right and shall
include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in
defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon receipt
by the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or
officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined
that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this
<PAGE>
Section or otherwise. The Corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors,
provide indemnification to employees and agents of the Corporation with the same
scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.
(b) If a claim under subsection (a) of this Section is not paid in full
by the Corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by
the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the
Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in
whole or in part, the claimant shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of
prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any action (other than an
action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking
has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has failed to meet a
standard of conduct which makes it permissible under Delaware law for the
Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of
proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the
Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its
stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such
action that indemnification of the claimant is permissible in the circumstances
because he has met such standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the
Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its
stockholders) that the claimant has not met such standard of conduct, nor the
termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon
a plea of nolo contenders or its equivalent, shall be a defense to the action or
create a presumption that the claimant has failed to meet the required standard
of conduct.
(c) The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred
in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this
Section shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or
hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation, By-Law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.
(d) The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect
itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or
another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would
have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss
under Delaware law.
(e) To the extent that any director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation is by reason of such position, or a position with another entity at
the request of the Corporation, a witness in any proceeding, he shall be
indemnified against all costs and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by
him or on his behalf in connection therewith.
(e) Any amendment, repeal or modification of any provision of this
Section by the stockholders or the directors of the Corporation shall not
adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the
Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.
Section 8.9 Amendment of By-Laws.
The stockholders, by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than
75% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Corporation may, at any annual or special meeting if notice of such alteration
<PAGE>
or amendment of the By-Laws is contained in the notice of such meeting, alter,
amend, or repeal these By-Laws, and alterations or amendments of By-Laws made by
the stockholders shall not be altered or amended by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
whole Board, may make, alter, amend, or repeal these By-Laws at any meeting,
except as provided in the above paragraph. By-Laws made, altered, amended or
repealed by the Board of Directors may be altered or repealed by the
stockholders.
Exhibit 15
April 16, 1999
Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.
We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-17912 dated November 4, 1987) of Lawson Products, Inc. of our
report dated April 16, 1999 relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated
interim financial statements of Lawson Products, Inc. which are included in its
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 our report is not part of
the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within the
meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1999
<CASH> 16,491
<SECURITIES> 24,504
<RECEIVABLES> 36,837
<ALLOWANCES> 1,700
<INVENTORY> 46,414
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 118,160
<PP&E> 76,131
<DEPRECIATION> 33,898
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 203,956
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 32,631
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 10,624
<OTHER-SE> 135,244
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 203,956
<SALES> 74,148
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 74,754
<CGS> 25,837
<TOTAL-COSTS> 25,837
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 281
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1
<INCOME-PRETAX> 8,992
<INCOME-TAX> 3,715
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 5,277
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 5,277
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.50
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.50
</TABLE>
