<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 1999.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-A
FOR REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Delaware 75-1285071
(State of incorporation or organization) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
110 South Texas Street 75686-0093
Pittsburg, Texas (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
If this form relates to the registration of a class of If this form relates to the registration of a class of
securities pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange securities pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange
Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction
A.(c), please check the following box. [X] A.(d), please check the following box. [_]
</TABLE>
Securities Act registration statement file number to which this form relates:
Not Applicable.
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which
to be so registered each class is to be registered
------------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C>
Class A Common Stock, New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
par value $.01 per share
</TABLE>
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
On July 20, 1999, (i) the stockholders of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (the
"Company") approved an amendment (the "Amendment") to the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation which would permit dividends of either Class A Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Class A Common Stock") or Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Class B Common
Stock" and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the "Common Stock"), as
specified by the Board of Directors of the Company, to holders of the Company's
Class B Common Stock and (ii) the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to
its Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware effecting the Amendment. Subject to the filing and effectiveness of the
Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware,
the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of one share of Class
A Common Stock for every two shares of Class B Common Stock to stockholders of
record of the Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding at the close of
business on July 20, 1999. The dividend is payable on July 30, 1999.
Set forth below is a description of the Class A Common Stock.
Item 1. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Company is registering hereby its Class A Common Stock.
The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 5,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), 100,000,000
shares of Class A Common Stock and 60,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock.
The following summary of certain features of the Common Stock and Preferred
Stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its
entirety by, the provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, which is included as an exhibit to this Registration Statement and
incorporated herein by reference.
COMMON STOCK
Identical Rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the
----------------
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, all shares of the Common Stock will be
identical and will entitle the holders of the Common Stock to the same rights
and privileges.
Dividends. Subject to the prior rights and preferences of the Preferred
---------
Stock, if any, the holders of record of the Common Stock will be entitled to
receive such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of any
funds of the Company, except that (i) if dividends are declared that are payable
in shares of Common Stock, such stock dividends will be payable at the same rate
on each class of Common Stock and will be payable in shares of Class A Common
Stock to holders of Class A Common Stock and in shares of either Class A Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock, as may be specified by the Board of Directors, to
holders of Class B Common Stock and (ii) if dividends are declared that are
payable in shares of common stock of another company, then such shares may
differ as to voting rights to the extent that voting rights differ among the
Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock.
Stock Splits. Except as expressly provided above, the Company will not
------------
subdivide, by stock split, reclassification, stock dividend, recapitalization or
other subdivision, or combine the outstanding shares of one class of Common
Stock unless the outstanding shares of both classes of Common Stock are capable
of being proportionately subdivided or combined.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary
------------------
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, after
distribution in full of the preferential amounts, if any, to be distributed to
the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock or any series thereof, the holders
of shares of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining
assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in
proportion to the number of shares of the Common Stock held by them. A
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, as such terms are used
herein, will not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any consolidation
or
2
<PAGE>
merger of the Company with or into any other company or companies or other
entity or a sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or a part of the assets
of the Company.
Voting Rights. The holders of shares of the Class A Common Stock and the
-------------
Class B Common Stock will vote as a single class on all matters submitted to a
vote of the stockholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to 1
vote and each share of Class B Common Stock entitled to 20 votes, except as
otherwise provided by law.
Consideration on Merger, Consolidation, Business Combination. In any merger,
------------------------------------------------------------
consolidation or business combination, the consideration to be received per
share by the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be
identical for each class of stock, except that in any such transaction in which
shares of common stock are to be distributed, such shares may differ as to
voting rights to the extent that voting rights differ among the Class A Common
Stock and the Class B Common Stock.
Preemptive Rights; Subscription Rights; Cumulative Voting. Stockholders of
---------------------------------------------------------
the Company will not be entitled to preemptive or subscription rights or to
cumulative voting.
PREFERRED STOCK
The authorized Preferred Stock is issuable from time to time, in one or more
series, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board
of Directors has authority, without further stockholder approval, to provide for
the issuance of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and to determine the
designations, rights, preferences and limitations of such series, including the
relative ranking with other series, the voting rights, if any, the dividend
rate, the redemption and liquidation rights, the conversion rights, if any, and
any other rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations or restrictions.
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS
Preferred Stock. Although the Board of Directors has no present intention to
---------------
issue Preferred Stock, the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock, or the
issuance of rights to purchase Preferred Stock, may have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company or may increase or
decrease the number of shares constituting each series.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Because the Company has
---------------------------------------------------
not by a provision in its Certificate of Incorporation elected otherwise, it is
subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 203"),
which imposes certain restrictions, described below, on "business combinations"
with an "interested stockholder" that could produce anti-takeover effects in
certain circumstances. Section 203 generally defines a business combination to
include (i) any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the
interested stockholder; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, transfer,
pledge or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more
of the assets of the corporation; (iii) subject to certain exceptions, any
transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any
stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; (iv) any transaction
involving the corporation which has the effect of increasing the proportionate
share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation owned by the
interested stockholder; or (v) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the
benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits
provided by or through the corporation. In general, Section 203 defines an
"interested stockholder" as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more
of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person
affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.
Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation
from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a
period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an
interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time, the board of directors of
the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction
which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an
interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the
voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the
3
<PAGE>
time the transaction commenced (not counting those shares owned by directors who
are also officers and by employee stock plans in which employee participants do
not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to
the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer), or (iii) at or
subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of
directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and
not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
Item 2. Exhibits.
--------
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
---------- ----------------------
1. Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company (filed herewith).
2. Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Company's
Form 8-A/A-1, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 1, 1998).
3. Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company
(filed herewith).
4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Date: July 20, 1999 By: /s/ Richard A. Cogdill
---------------------------
Richard A. Cogdill
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
5
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
---------- ----------------------
1. Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company (filed herewith).
2. Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Company's Form
8-A/A-1, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
July 1, 1998).
3. Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (filed
herewith).
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"), does
hereby certify that:
1. The amendment to the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation set
forth below was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
2. Article Fourth of the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation is
amended to read in its entirety as follows:
"FOURTH:
Authorized Shares
-----------------
The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have
authority to issue is 165,000,000 shares, consisting of the following:
(1) 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.01
per share (the "Class A Common Stock");
(2) 60,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $.01
per share (the "Class B Common Stock" and, together with the Class A
Common Stock, the "Common Stock"); and
(3) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Preferred Stock").
Designations, Preferences, etc. of the Capital Stock
----------------------------------------------------
The designations, preferences, powers, qualifications, and special or
relative rights or privileges of the capital stock of the Corporation shall
be as set forth below.
Common Stock
------------
(1) Identical Rights. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided,
----------------
all shares of Common Stock shall be identical and shall entitle the holders
thereof to the same rights and privileges.
(2) Dividends on the Common Stock.
-----------------------------
(a) Subject to the prior rights and preferences, if any,
applicable to shares of the Preferred Stock or any series thereof, the
holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such
dividends (payable in cash, stock, or otherwise) as may be declared
thereon by the Corporation's board of directors (the "Board of
Directors") at any time and from time to time out of any funds of the
Corporation legally available therefor, except that (i) if dividends
are declared that are payable in shares of Common Stock, then such
stock dividends shall be payable at the same rate on each class of
Common Stock and shall be payable only in shares of Class A Common
Stock to holders of Class A Common Stock and in shares of either Class
A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as may be specified by the
Board of Directors in a resolution authorizing such stock dividend, to
holders of Class B Common Stock and (ii) if dividends are declared
that are payable in shares of common stock of another corporation,
then such shares may
1
<PAGE>
differ as to voting rights to the extent that voting rights now differ
among the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock.
(b) Dividends payable under this subparagraph (2) shall be paid
to the holders of record of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as
their names shall appear on the stock register of the Corporation on
the record date fixed by the Board of Directors in advance of
declaration and payment of each dividend. Any shares of Common Stock
issued as a dividend pursuant to this subparagraph (2) shall, when so
issued, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable, and free of all liens and charges.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no
dividends on shares of Common Stock shall be declared by the Board of
Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Corporation at any
time that such declaration, payment or setting apart is prohibited by
applicable law.
(3) Stock Splits Relating to the Common Stock. Except as expressly
-----------------------------------------
provided in subparagraph (2) above, the Corporation shall not in any manner
subdivide (by any stock split, reclassification, stock dividend,
recapitalization or otherwise) or combine the outstanding shares of one
class of Common Stock unless the outstanding shares of both classes of
Common Stock shall be proportionately subdivided or combined.
(4) Liquidation Rights of the Common Stock. In the event of any
--------------------------------------
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the
Corporation, after distribution in full of the preferential amounts, if
any, to be distributed to the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock or
any series thereof, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled
to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation available for
distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of
shares of Common Stock held by them. A liquidation, dissolution, or
winding-up of the Corporation, as such terms are used in this subparagraph
(4), shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any
consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other
corporation or corporations or other entity or a sale, lease, exchange, or
conveyance of all or a part of the assets of the Corporation.
(5) Voting Rights of the Common Stock.
---------------------------------
(a) The holders of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B
Common Stock shall vote as a single class on all matters submitted to
a vote of the stockholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock
being entitled to one (1) vote and each share of Class B Common Stock
being entitled to twenty (20) votes, except as otherwise provided by
law.
(b) No holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to preemptive or
subscription rights.
(6) Consideration on Merger, Consolidation, etc. In any merger,
--------------------------------------------
consolidation, or business combination, the consideration to be received
per share by the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
must be identical for each class of stock, except that in any such
transaction in which shares of common stock are to be distributed, such
shares may differ as to voting rights to the extent that voting rights now
differ among the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock.
Preferred Stock
---------------
Shares of the Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one
or more series, the shares of each series to have such voting powers, full
or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
2
<PAGE>
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and
expressed in a resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such
series adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The Board of
Directors of the Corporation is hereby expressly authorized, subject to the
limitations provided by law, to establish and designate series of the
Preferred Stock, to fix the number of shares constituting each series, and
to fix the designations and the relative powers, rights, preferences and
limitations of the shares of each series and the variations in the relative
powers, rights, preferences and limitations as between series, and to
increase and to decrease the number of shares constituting each series."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation has caused this Certificate
to be executed by Lonnie A. Pilgrim, its authorized officer, on this 20th day of
July, 1999.
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
/s/ Lonnie A. Pilgrim
-------------------------------------------
Lonnie A. Pilgrim, Chairman of the Board of
Directors
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CORPORATE BYLAWS
OF
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
(A Delaware corporation)
* * * * *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CORPORATE BYLAWS OF
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
(a Delaware corporation)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION SUBJECT MATTER PAGE
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE 1 NAME AND OFFICES................................................ 1
1.1 Name............................................................ 1
1.2 Registered Office and Agent..................................... 1
(a) Registered Office.......................................... 1
(b) Registered Agent........................................... 1
(c) Change of Registered Office or Agent....................... 1
1.3 Other Offices................................................... 1
ARTICLE 2 STOCKHOLDERS.................................................... 2
2.1 Place of Meetings............................................... 2
2.2 Annual Meetings................................................. 2
2.3 Special Meetings................................................ 2
2.4 Notice.......................................................... 2
2.5 Voting List..................................................... 3
2.6 Quorum.......................................................... 3
2.7 Requisite Vote.................................................. 4
2.8 Withdrawal of Quorum............................................ 4
2.9 Voting at Meeting............................................... 5
(a) Voting Power............................................... 5
(b) Exercise of Voting Power; Proxies.......................... 5
(c) Election of Directors...................................... 5
2.10 Record Date..................................................... 5
2.11 Action Without Meetings......................................... 6
2.12 Record Date for Action Without Meetings......................... 7
2.13 Preemptive Rights............................................... 8
2.14 Stockholder Proposals........................................... 8
ARTICLE 3 DIRECTORS....................................................... 10
3.1 Management Powers............................................... 10
3.2 Number and Qualification........................................ 10
3.3 Election and Term............................................... 10
3.4 Voting on Directors............................................. 11
3.5 Vacancies and New Directorships................................. 11
3.6 Removal......................................................... 11
3.7 Meetings........................................................ 12
(a) Place...................................................... 12
(b) Annual Meeting............................................. 12
(c) Regular Meetings........................................... 12
(d) Special Meetings........................................... 12
</TABLE>
(i)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(e) Notice and Waiver of Notice................................ 12
(f) Quorum..................................................... 12
(g) Requisite Vote............................................. 13
3.8 Action Without Meetings......................................... 13
3.9 Committees...................................................... 13
(a) Designation and Appointment................................ 13
(b) Members; Alternate Members; Terms.......................... 13
(c) Authority.................................................. 13
(d) Records.................................................... 13
(e) Change in Number........................................... 14
(f) Vacancies.................................................. 14
(g) Removal.................................................... 14
(h) Meetings................................................... 14
(i) Quorum; Requisite Vote..................................... 14
(j) Compensation............................................... 14
(k) Action Without Meetings.................................... 14
(l) Responsibility............................................. 14
3.10 Compensation.................................................... 15
3.11 Maintenance of Records.......................................... 15
3.12 Interested Directors and Officers............................... 15
ARTICLE 4 NOTICES......................................................... 16
4.1 Method of Notice................................................ 16
4.2 Waiver.......................................................... 16
ARTICLE 5 OFFICERS AND AGENTS............................................. 17
5.1 Designation..................................................... 17
5.2 Election of Officers............................................ 17
5.3 Qualifications.................................................. 17
5.4 Term of Office.................................................. 17
5.5 Authority....................................................... 18
5.6 Removal......................................................... 18
5.7 Vacancies....................................................... 18
5.8 Compensation.................................................... 18
5.9 Chairman of the Board........................................... 18
5.10 Vice Chairman................................................... 19
5.11 Chief Executive Officer......................................... 19
5.12 Chief Financial Officer......................................... 20
5.13 Chief Operating Officer......................................... 20
5.14 President....................................................... 20
5.15 Vice Presidents................................................. 21
5.16 Secretary....................................................... 21
5.17 Assistant Secretaries........................................... 22
5.18 Treasurer....................................................... 22
5.19 Assistant Treasurers............................................ 23
ARTICLE 6 INDEMNIFICATION................................................. 23
6.1 Mandatory Indemnification....................................... 23
</TABLE>
(ii)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
6.2 Determination of Indemnification................................ 24
6.3 Advance of Expenses............................................. 25
6.4 Permissive Indemnification...................................... 26
6.5 Nature of Indemnification....................................... 26
6.6 Insurance....................................................... 26
6.7 Notice.......................................................... 27
ARTICLE 7 STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFER REGULATIONS..................... 28
7.1 Description of Certificates..................................... 28
7.2 Entitlement to Certificates..................................... 28
7.3 Signatures...................................................... 29
7.4 Issuance of Certificates........................................ 29
7.5 Payment for Shares.............................................. 29
(a) Consideration.............................................. 29
(b) Valuation.................................................. 29
(c) Effect..................................................... 29
(d) Allocation of Consideration................................ 30
7.6 Subscriptions................................................... 30
7.7 Record Date..................................................... 30
7.8 Registered Owners............................................... 31
7.9 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.......................... 31
(a) Proof of Loss.............................................. 31
(b) Timely Request............................................. 31
(c) Bond....................................................... 31
(d) Other Requirements......................................... 32
7.10 Registration of Transfers....................................... 32
(a) Endorsement................................................ 32
(b) Guaranty and Effectiveness of Signature.................... 32
(c) Adverse Claims............................................. 32
(d) Collection of Taxes........................................ 32
(e) Additional Requirements Satisfied.......................... 32
7.11 Restrictions on Transfer and Legends on Certificates............ 33
(a) Shares in Classes or Series................................ 33
(b) Restriction on Transfer.................................... 33
(c) Unregistered Securities.................................... 33
ARTICLE 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS.............................................. 34
8.1 Dividends....................................................... 34
(a) Declaration and Payment.................................... 34
(b) Record Date................................................ 34
8.2 Reserves........................................................ 34
8.3 Books and Records............................................... 34
8.4 Annual Statement................................................ 35
8.5 Contracts and Negotiable Instruments............................ 35
8.6 Fiscal Year..................................................... 36
8.7 Corporate Seal.................................................. 36
8.8 Resignations.................................................... 36
</TABLE>
(iii)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
8.9 Amendment of Bylaws............................................. 36
8.10 Construction.................................................... 36
8.11 Telephone Meetings.............................................. 37
8.12 Table of Contents; Captions..................................... 37
</TABLE>
(iv)
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CORPORATE BYLAWS
OF
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
(a Delaware Corporation)
ARTICLE 1
NAME AND OFFICES
----------------
1.1 Name. The name of the Corporation is PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION,
----
hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation."
1.2 Registered Office and Agent. The Corporation shall establish,
---------------------------
designate and continuously maintain a registered office and agent in the State
of Delaware, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Registered Office. The Corporation shall establish and
-----------------
continuously maintain in the State of Delaware a registered office which
may be, but need not be, the same as its place of business.
(b) Registered Agent. The Corporation shall designate and
----------------
continuously maintain in the State of Delaware a registered agent, which
agent may be either an individual resident of the State of Delaware whose
business office is identical with such registered office, or a domestic
corporation or a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in the
State of Delaware, having a business office identical with such registered
office.
(c) Change of Registered Office or Agent. The Corporation may change
------------------------------------
its registered office or change its registered agent, or both, upon the
filing in the Office of the Secretary of State of Delaware of a statement
setting forth the facts required by law, and executed for the Corporation
by its President, a Vice President or other duly authorized officer.
1.3 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other
-------------
places within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may,
from time to time, determine the business of the Corporation may require.
1
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2
STOCKHOLDERS
------------
2.1 Place of Meetings. Each meeting of the stockholders of the
-----------------
Corporation is to be held at the principal offices of the Corporation or at such
other place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be specified
in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.
2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the stockholders for the
---------------
election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may
properly come before the meeting shall be held within one hundred twenty (120)
days after the close of the fiscal year of the Corporation on a day during such
period to be selected by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the
failure to hold the annual meeting within the designated period of time or on
the designated date shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the
Corporation.
2.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any
----------------
purpose or purposes, may be called by the Board of Directors, Chairman of the
Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President. The
notice of a special meeting shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed
meeting and the business to be transacted at any such special meeting of
stockholders, and shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice
therefor.
2.4 Notice. Written or printed notice of the meeting stating the place,
------
day and hour of the meeting, and in the case of a special meeting, the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than
ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting, either
personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the Board of Directors,
Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
President, or Secretary, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such
meeting as determined in
2
<PAGE>
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof. If mailed, such notice
shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States Mail, with
postage thereon prepaid, addressed to the stockholder entitled thereto at his
address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation.
2.5 Voting List. The officer or agent having charge and custody of the
-----------
stock transfer books of the Corporation, shall prepare, at least ten (10) days
before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders
entitled to vote at such meeting, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the
address of each stockholder and the number of shares having voting privileges
registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the
examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during
ordinary business hours for a period of not less than ten (10) days prior to
such meeting either at the principal office of the Corporation or at a place
within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified
in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the
meeting is to be held. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the
time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any
stockholder during the entire time of the meeting. The original stock ledger or
transfer book, or a duplicate thereof, shall be prima facie evidence as to
identity of the stockholders entitled to examine such list or stock ledger or
transfer book and to vote at any such meeting of the stockholders. The failure
to comply with the requirements of this Section shall not affect the validity of
any action taken at said meeting.
2.6 Quorum. The holders of a majority of the combined voting power of the
------
capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, represented
in person or by proxy, shall be requisite and shall constitute a quorum at all
meetings of the stockholders for the transaction
3
<PAGE>
of business except as otherwise provided by statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws. The holders of the Class A Common Stock and the
Class B Common stock shall vote as a single class on all matters submitted to a
vote of the stockholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock being entitled
to one (1) vote and each share of Class B Common Stock being entitled to twenty
(20) votes. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any
such 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, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such reconvened
meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be
transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally
notified. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the
adjournment a new record date is fixed for the reconvened meeting, a notice of
said meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at said
meeting.
2.7 Requisite Vote. If a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of
--------------
the holders of a majority of the total outstanding combined voting power of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, present in person or represented
by proxy, shall determine any question brought before such meeting, unless the
question is one upon which, by express provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a different vote shall be required, in which
case such express provision shall govern and control the determination of such
question.
2.8 Withdrawal of Quorum. If a quorum is present at the time of
--------------------
commencement of any meeting, the stockholders present at such duly convened
meeting may continue to transact any business which may properly come before
said meeting until adjournment thereof,
4
<PAGE>
notwithstanding the withdrawal from such meeting of sufficient holders of the
shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereat to leave less than a quorum
remaining.
2.9 Voting at Meeting. Voting at meetings of stockholders shall be
-----------------
conducted and exercised subject to the following procedures and regulations:
(a) Voting Power. In the exercise of voting power with respect to
------------
each matter properly submitted to a vote at any meeting of stockholders,
each holder of the Class A Common Stock of the Corporation having voting
power shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each such share held in his
name on the books of the Corporation, and each holder of the Class B Common
Stock of the Corporation having voting power shall be entitled to twenty
(20) votes for each such share held in his name on the books of the
Corporation except to the extent otherwise specified by the Certificate of
Incorporation or Certificate of Designations pertaining to a series of
preferred stock.
(b) Exercise of Voting Power; Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to
---------------------------------
vote at a meeting or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in
writing without a meeting may vote either in person or authorize another
person or persons to act for him by proxy duly appointed by instrument in
writing subscribed by such stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney-
in-fact; provided, however, no such appointment of proxy shall be valid,
voted or acted upon after the expiration of three (3) years from the date
of execution of such written instrument of appointment, unless otherwise
stated therein. A proxy shall be revocable unless expressly designated
therein as irrevocable and coupled with an interest. Proxies coupled with
an interest include the appointment as proxy of: (a) a pledgee; (b) a
person who purchased or agreed to purchase or owns or holds an option to
purchase the shares voted; (c) a creditor of the Corporation who extended
its credit under terms requiring the appointment; (d) an employee of the
Corporation whose employment contract requires the appointment; or (e) a
party to a voting agreement created under Section 218 of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware, as amended. Each proxy shall be filed with the
Secretary of the Corporation prior to or at the time of the meeting. Any
vote may be taken by voice vote or by show of hands unless someone entitled
to vote at the meeting objects, in which case written ballots shall be
used.
(c) Election of Directors. In all elections of Directors cumulative
---------------------
voting shall be prohibited.
2.10 Record Date. As more specifically provided in Article 7, Section
-----------
7.7 hereof, the Board of Directors may fix in advance a record date for the
purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of stockholders, which record date shall not precede the date upon which
the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors,
5
<PAGE>
and which record date shall not be less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60)
days prior to such meeting. In the absence of any action by the Board of
Directors fixing the record date, the record date for determining stockholders
entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the
close of business on the day before the day on which notice of the meeting is
given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day before the
meeting is held.
2.11 Action Without Meetings. Any action permitted or required to be
-----------------------
taken at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a
meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a consent or consents in
writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holder or
holders of the outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of
votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at
which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, and such
written consent shall have the same force and effect as the requisite vote of
the stockholders thereon. Any such executed written consent, or an executed
counterpart thereof, shall be placed in the minute book of the Corporation.
Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who
signs the consent. No written consent shall be effective to take the action
that is the subject of the consent unless, within sixty (60) days after the date
of the earliest dated consent delivered to the Corporation in the manner
required under Section 2.12 hereof, a consent or consents signed by the holders
of the minimum number of shares of the capital stock issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote on and approve the action that is the subject of the consent
are delivered to the Corporation. Prompt notice of the taking of any action by
stockholders without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be
given to those stockholders who did not consent in writing to the action.
6
<PAGE>
2.12 Record Date for Action Without Meetings. Unless a record date shall
---------------------------------------
have previously been fixed or determined by the Board of Directors as provided
in Section 2.10 hereof, whenever action by stockholders is proposed to be taken
by consent in writing without a meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors
may fix a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to
consent to that action, which record date shall not precede, and shall not be
more than ten (10) days after, the date upon which the resolution fixing the
record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been
fixed by the Board of Directors and the prior action of the Board of Directors
is not required by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation, the record date
for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing
without a meeting shall be the first date on which a signed written consent
setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the
Corporation by delivery to its registered office, its principal place of
business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the books
in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery shall be
by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Delivery
to the Corporation's principal place of business shall be addressed to the
Chairman of the Board of the Corporation. If no record date shall have been
fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action of the Board of Directors is
required by statute, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to
consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close
of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts a resolution
taking such prior action.
2.13 Preemptive Rights. No holder of shares of capital stock of the
-----------------
Corporation shall, as such holder, have any right to purchase or subscribe for
any capital stock of any class which the Corporation may issue or sell, whether
or not exchangeable for any capital stock of the
7
<PAGE>
Corporation of any class or classes, whether issued out of unissued shares
authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or out of shares of
capital stock of the Corporation acquired by it after the issue thereof; nor
shall any holder of shares of capital stock of the Corporation, as such holder,
have any right to purchase, acquire or subscribe for any securities which the
Corporation may issue or sell whether or not convertible into or exchangeable
for shares of capital stock of the Corporation of any class or classes, and
whether or not any such securities have attached or appurtenant thereto
warrants, options or other instruments which entitle the holders thereof to
purchase, acquire or subscribe for shares of capital stock of any class or
classes.
2.14 Stockholder Proposals. At the annual meeting of stockholders of the
---------------------
Corporation, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals
shall be acted upon, as shall have been properly brought before such annual
meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business or proposals
must (i) be specified in the notice relating to the meeting (or any supplement
thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors in accordance
with these Bylaws or (ii) be properly brought before the meeting by a
stockholder of the Corporation who (A) is a stockholder of record at the time of
the giving of such stockholder's notice provided for herein, (B) shall be
entitled to vote at the annual meeting and (C) complies with the requirements of
this Section, and otherwise be proper subjects for stockholder action and be
properly introduced at the annual meeting. For a proposal to be properly brought
before the annual meeting by a stockholder of the Corporation, in addition to
any other applicable requirements, such stockholder must have given timely
advance notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be
timely, such stockholder's notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received
at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 120 days
8
<PAGE>
nor more than 270 days prior to the scheduled annual meeting date, regardless of
any postponements, deferrals or adjournments of such annual meeting to a later
date. Any such stockholder's notice to the Secretary of the Corporation shall
set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual
meeting (i) a description of the proposal desired to be brought before the
annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual
meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books,
of such stockholder proposing such business and any other stockholders of the
Corporation known by such stockholder to be in favor of such proposal, (iii) the
number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned by such stockholder
on the date of such notice and (iv) any material interest of such stockholder in
such proposal. The presiding officer of the meeting of stockholders of the
Corporation shall determine whether the requirements of this Section have been
met with respect to any stockholder proposal. If the presiding officer
determines that any stockholder proposal was not made in accordance with the
terms of this Section, he shall so declare at the meeting and any such proposal
shall not be acted upon at the meeting. At a special meeting of stockholders of
the Corporation, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals
shall be acted upon, as shall have been properly brought before such special
meeting. To be properly brought before such a special meeting, business or
proposals must (i) be specified in the notice relating to the meeting (or any
supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors in
accordance with these Bylaws or (ii) constitute matters incident to the conduct
of the meeting as the presiding officer of the meeting shall determine to be
appropriate. In addition to the foregoing provisions of this Section, a
stockholder of the Corporation shall also comply with all applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section.
9
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 3
DIRECTORS
---------
3.1 Management Powers. The powers of the Corporation shall be exercised
-----------------
by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Corporation
shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors which may
exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and
things as are not by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws
directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
3.2 Number and Qualification. The Board of Directors shall consist of
------------------------
not less than one (1) member. The number of Directors shall initially be fixed
by the incorporator and thereafter from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Directors need not be residents of the State of Delaware nor stockholders of the
Corporation. Each Director shall qualify as a Director following election as
such by agreeing to act or acting in such capacity. The number of Directors
shall be fixed, and may be increased or decreased, from time to time by
resolution of the Board of Directors without the necessity of a written
amendment to the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, no decrease shall
have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent Director.
3.3 Election and Term. Members of the Board of Directors shall hold
-----------------
office until the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation and until
their successors shall have been elected and qualified. At the annual meeting
of stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote in an election of Directors
shall elect Directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of
the stockholders. Each Director shall hold office for the term for which he is
elected, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified or until his
death, resignation or removal, if earlier.
10
<PAGE>
3.4 Voting on Directors. Directors shall be elected by the vote of the
-------------------
holders of a plurality of the shares entitled to vote in the election of
Directors and represented in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders at
which a quorum is present. Cumulative voting in the election of Directors is
expressly prohibited.
3.5 Vacancies and New Directorships. Vacancies and newly created
-------------------------------
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of Directors
elected by all the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may
be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office,
although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director, or by the
requisite vote of the stockholders at an annual meeting of the stockholders or
at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose, and the
Directors so elected shall hold office until their successors are elected and
qualified. If the holders of any class or classes of stock or series of stock
of the Corporation are entitled to elect one or more Directors by the
Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Designations applicable to such
class or series, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or
classes or series may be filled by a majority of the Directors elected by such
class or classes or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining
Director so elected, and the Directors so elected shall hold office until the
next election of the class for which such Directors shall have been chosen, and
until their successors shall be elected and qualified. For purposes of these
Bylaws, a "vacancy" shall be defined as an unfilled directorship arising by
virtue of the death, resignation or removal of a Director theretofore duly
elected to serve in such capacity in accordance with the relevant provisions of
these Bylaws.
3.6 Removal. Any Director may be removed either for or without cause at
-------
any duly convened special or annual meeting of stockholders, by the affirmative
vote of a majority in number of shares of the stockholders present in person or
by proxy at any meeting and entitled to
11
<PAGE>
vote for the election of such Director, provided notice of intention to act upon
such matter shall have been given in the notice calling such meeting.
3.7 Meetings. The meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held and
--------
conducted subject to the following regulations:
(a) Place. Meetings of the Board of Directors of the Corporation,
-----
annual, regular or special, are to be held at the principal office or place
of business of the Corporation, or such other place, either within or
without the State of Delaware, as may be specified in the respective
notices, or waivers of notice, thereof.
(b) Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors shall meet each year
--------------
immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders, at the place
where such meeting of the stockholders has been held (either within or
without the State of Delaware), for the purpose of organization, election
of officers, and consideration of any other business that may properly be
brought before the meeting. No notice of any kind to either old or new
members of the Board of Directors for such annual meeting shall be
required.
(c) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may
----------------
be held without notice at such time and at such place or places as
shall from time to time be determined and designated by the Board.
(d) Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may
----------------
be called by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer or President of the Corporation on notice of two
(2) days to each Director either personally or by mail or by telegram,
telex or facsimile transmission and delivery. Special meetings of the
Board of Directors shall be called by the Chairman of the Board, Vice
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President or Secretary in
like manner and on like notice on the written request of two (2) Directors.
(e) Notice and Waiver of Notice. Attendance of a Director at any
---------------------------
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a
Director attends for the express purpose of objecting 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
meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver
of notice of such meeting.
(f) Quorum. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of
------
the number of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, unless a greater number is required by law or by the Certificate
of Incorporation. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of
Directors, the Directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting, from time
to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a
quorum shall be present.
12
<PAGE>
(g) Requisite Vote. The act 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 unless the act of a greater number is required by statute, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
3.8 Action Without Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the
-----------------------
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted
by law to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee
thereof, may be taken without a meeting, if prior to such action a written
consent thereto is signed by all members of the Board or of such committee, as
the case may be, and such written consent is filed in the minutes or proceedings
of the Board of Directors or committee.
3.9 Committees. Committees designated and appointed by the Board of
----------
Directors shall function subject to and in accordance with the following
regulations and procedures:
(a) Designation and Appointment. The Board of Directors may, by
---------------------------
resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board, designate and appoint
one or more committees under such name or names and for such purpose or
function as may be deemed appropriate.
(b) Members; Alternate Members; Terms. Each committee thus
---------------------------------
designated and appointed shall consist of one or more of the Directors of
the Corporation, one of whom, in the case of the Executive Committee, shall
be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Board of Directors may
designate one or more of its members as alternate members of any committee,
who may, subject to any limitations imposed by the entire Board, replace
absent or disqualified members at any meeting of that committee. The
members or alternate members of any such committee shall serve at the
pleasure of and subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
(c) Authority. Each committee, to the extent provided in the
---------
resolution of the Board creating same, shall have and may exercise such of
the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the
business and affairs of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may
direct and delegate, except, however, those matters which are required by
statute to be reserved unto or acted upon by the entire Board of Directors.
(d) Records. Each such committee shall keep and maintain regular
-------
records or minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of
Directors when required.
13
<PAGE>
(e) Change in Number. The number of members or alternate members of
----------------
any committee appointed by the Board of Directors, as herein provided, may
be increased or decreased (but not below two) from time to time by
appropriate resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of
Directors.
(f) Vacancies. Vacancies in the membership of any committee
---------
designated and appointed hereunder shall be filled by the Board of
Directors, at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, in a
manner consistent with the provisions of this Section 3.9.
(g) Removal. Any member or alternate member of any committee
-------
appointed hereunder may be removed by the Board of Directors by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board, whenever in its
judgment the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby.
(h) Meetings. The time, place and notice (if any) of committee
--------
meetings shall be determined by the members of such committee.
(i) Quorum; Requisite Vote. At meetings of any committee appointed
----------------------
hereunder, a majority of the number of members designated by the Board of
Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The
act of a majority of the members and alternate members of the committee
present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of
such committee, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. If a quorum is not present
at a meeting of such committee, the members of such committee present may
adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an
announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.
(j) Compensation. Appropriate compensation for members and alternate
------------
members of any committee appointed pursuant to the authority hereof may be
authorized by the action of a majority of the entire Board of Directors
pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.10 hereof.
(k) Action Without Meetings. Any action required or permitted to be
-----------------------
taken at a meeting of any committee may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all
members of such committee. Such consent shall have the same force and
effect as a unanimous vote at a meeting. The signed consent, or a signed
copy, shall become a part of the record of such committee.
(l) Responsibility. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
--------------
herein, the designation and appointment of a committee and the delegation
of authority to it shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or
any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed upon it or him by law.
14
<PAGE>
3.10 Compensation. By appropriate resolution of the Board of Directors,
------------
the Directors may be reimbursed their expenses, if any, of attendance at each
meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum (as determined
from time to time by the vote of a majority of the Directors then in office) for
attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as
Director, or both. No such payment shall preclude any Director from serving the
Corporation in another capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of
special or standing committees may, by appropriate resolution of the Board of
Directors, be allowed similar reimbursement of expenses and compensation for
attending committee meetings.
3.11 Maintenance of Records. The Directors may keep the books and records
----------------------
of the Corporation, except such as are required by law to be kept within
the State, outside the State of Delaware or at such place or places as they may,
from time to time, determine.
3.12 Interested Directors and Officers. No contract or other transaction
---------------------------------
between the Corporation and one or more of its Directors or officers, or between
the Corporation and any firm of which one or more of its Directors or officers
are members or employees, or in which they are interested, or between the
Corporation and any corporation or association of which one or more of its
Directors or officers are stockholders, members, directors, officers, or
employees, or in which they are interested, shall be void or voidable solely for
this reason, or solely because of the presence of such Director or Directors or
officer or officers at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation,
which acts upon, or in reference to, such contract, or transaction, if (a) the
material facts of such relationship or interest shall be disclosed or known to
the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors shall, nevertheless in good
faith, authorize, approve and ratify such contract or transaction by a vote of a
majority of the Directors present, such interested Director or Directors to be
counted in determining whether a quorum is present, but not to be
15
<PAGE>
counted in calculating the majority of such quorum necessary to carry such vote;
(b) the material facts of such relationship or interest as to the contract or
transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote
thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith
by the vote of the stockholders; or (c) the contract or transaction is fair to
the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the
Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. The provisions of
this Section shall not be construed to invalidate any contract or other
transaction which would otherwise be valid under the common and statutory law
applicable thereto.
ARTICLE 4
NOTICES
-------
4.1 Method of Notice. Whenever under the provisions of the General
----------------
Corporation Law of Delaware or of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these
Bylaws, 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 and delivered personally, through the United States mail, by a
recognized delivery service (such as Federal Express) or by means of telegram,
telex or facsimile transmission, addressed to such Director or stockholder, at
his address or telex or facsimile transmission number, as the case may be, as it
appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage and fees thereon
prepaid. Such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same
shall be deposited in the United States Mail or with an express delivery service
or when transmitted by telex or facsimile transmission or personally delivered,
as the case may be.
4.2 Waiver. Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given under
------
the provisions of the General Corporation Law of Delaware or under the
provisions of the Certificate
16
<PAGE>
of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the
person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time
stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.
Attendance by such person or persons, whether in person or by proxy, at any
meeting requiring notice shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting,
except where such person attends the meeting for the express purpose of
objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened.
ARTICLE 5
OFFICERS AND AGENTS
-------------------
5.1 Designation. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the
-----------
Board of Directors and shall consist of the offices of:
(a) Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Vice
President, Treasurer and Secretary; and
(b) Such other offices and officers (including one or more additional
Vice Presidents) and assistant officers and agents as the Board of
Directors shall deem necessary.
5.2 Election of Officers. Each officer designated in Section 5.1(a)
--------------------
hereof shall be elected by the Board of Directors on the expiration of the term
of office of such officer, as herein provided, or whenever a vacancy exists in
such office. Each officer or agent designated in Section 5.1(b) above may be
elected by the Board of Directors at any meeting.
5.3 Qualifications. No officer or agent need be a stockholder of the
--------------
Corporation or a resident of Delaware. No officer or agent is required to be a
Director, except the Chairman of the Board. Any two or more offices may be held
by the same person.
5.4 Term of Office. Unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors
--------------
at the time of election or appointment, or by the express provisions of an
employment contract approved by
17
<PAGE>
the Board, the term of office of each officer and each agent shall expire on the
date of the first meeting of the Board of Directors next following the annual
meeting of stockholders each year. Each such officer or agent, unless elected or
appointed to an additional term, shall serve until the expiration of the term of
his office or, if earlier, his death, resignation or removal.
5.5 Authority. Officers and agents shall have such authority and perform
---------
such duties in the management of the Corporation as are provided in these Bylaws
or as may be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors not inconsistent
with these Bylaws.
5.6 Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of
-------
Directors may be removed with or without cause by the Board of Directors
whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation will be served
thereby. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if
any, of the person so removed. Election or appointment of an officer or agent
shall not of itself create contract rights.
5.7 Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation (by
---------
death, resignation, removal or otherwise) shall be filled by the Board of
Directors.
5.8 Compensation. The compensation of all officers and agents of the
------------
Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
5.9 Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall be chosen from
---------------------
among the Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall have the power to
call special meetings of the stockholders and of the Directors for any purpose
or purposes, and he shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and Board
of Directors, unless he shall be absent or unless he shall, at his election,
designate the Vice Chairman to preside in his stead. The Chairman of the Board
shall advise and counsel the Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive
Officer and other officers of the Corporation and shall exercise such powers and
perform such duties as shall be
18
<PAGE>
assigned to or required of him from time to time by the Board of Directors. The
Chairman of the Board shall be authorized to execute promissory notes, bonds,
mortgages, leases and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the
Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise executed
and except where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board
of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
5.10 Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall have the power to call
-------------
special meetings of the stockholders and of the Directors for any purpose or
purposes, and, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman
shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Vice Chairman
shall advise and counsel the other officers of the Corporation and shall
exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be assigned to or required
of him from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Vice Chairman shall be
authorized to execute promissory notes, bonds, mortgages, leases and other
contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where
required or permitted by law to be otherwise executed and except where the
execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some
other officer or agent of the Corporation.
5.11 Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall have
-----------------------
general supervision, management, direction and control of the business and
affairs of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the
Board of Directors are carried into effect. The Chief Executive Officer shall
be authorized to execute promissory notes, bonds, mortgages, leases and other
contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where
required or permitted by law to be otherwise executed and except where the
execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some
other officer or agent of the Corporation. In the absence of the Chairman of
the Board and the Vice Chairman, the Chief
19
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Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the
Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall have the general powers
and duties of management usually vested in the office of chief executive officer
of a corporation and shall perform such other duties and possess such other
authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
5.12 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall have
-----------------------
general financial supervision, management, direction and control of the business
and affairs of the Corporation and shall see that all financial orders and
resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The Chief
Financial Officer shall be authorized to execute promissory notes, bonds,
mortgages, leases and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the
Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise executed
and except where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board
of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. The Chief
Financial Officer shall have the general financial powers and duties of
management usually vested in the office of the Chief Financial Officer of a
corporation and shall perform such other duties and possess such other authority
and powers as the Chairman of the Board and Board of Directors may from time to
time prescribe.
5.13 Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer shall have
-----------------------
general supervision of the day to day operations of the Corporation. The Chief
Operating Officer shall have the general powers and duties of management usually
vested in the office of chief operating officer of a corporation and shall
perform such other duties and possess such other authority and powers as the
Chairman of the Board and Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
5.14 President. In the absence or disability of the Chief Operating
---------
Officer, the President shall perform all of the duties of the Chief Operating
Officer and when so acting shall
20
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have all the powers and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chief
Operating Officer, including the power to sign all instruments and to take all
actions which the Chief Operating Officer is authorized to perform by the Board
of Directors or the Bylaws. The President shall have the general powers and
duties vested in the office of President as the Board of Directors may from time
to time prescribe or as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time
delegate.
5.15 Vice Presidents. The Vice President, or if there shall be more than
---------------
one, the Vice Presidents in the order determined by the requisite vote of the
Board of Directors, shall, in the prolonged absence or disability of the
President, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President and shall
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors
may from time to time prescribe or as the Chief Executive Officer may from time
to time delegate. The Board of Directors may designate one or more Vice
Presidents as Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents.
5.16 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of
---------
Directors and all meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation and record all
proceedings of the meetings of the Corporation and of the Board of Directors in
a book to be maintained for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the
standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be
given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the
Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by
the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer or
President. The Secretary shall have custody of the corporate seal of the
Corporation, and he, or an Assistant Secretary, shall have authority to affix
the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested
by his signature or by the
21
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signature of such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general
authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to
attest the affixing by his signature.
5.17 Assistant Secretaries. The Assistant Secretary, or if there be more
---------------------
than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of
Directors, shall in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the
duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform such other
duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to
time prescribe or as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time delegate.
5.18 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the
---------
Corporation and shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and
shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books
belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable
effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as
may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the
funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking
proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board and the Board of Directors, at its regular
meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his
transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If
required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a
bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to
the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office
and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation,
retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money, and
other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control owned by
the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties and have such
22
<PAGE>
other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time
prescribe or as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time delegate.
5.19 Assistant Treasurers. The Assistant Treasurer, or, if there shall be
--------------------
more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the Board
of Directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, perform the
duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer and shall perform such other
duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to
time prescribe or as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time delegate.
ARTICLE 6
INDEMNIFICATION
---------------
6.1 Mandatory Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or
-------------------------
is threatened to be made a party, or who was or is a witness without being named
a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, any appeal
in such an action, suit or proceeding, and any inquiry or investigation that
could lead to such an action, suit or proceeding (a "Proceeding"), by reason of
the fact that such individual is or was a Director or officer of the
Corporation, or while a Director or officer of the Corporation is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, venturer,
proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of another
corporation, partnership, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise,
shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation from and against any
judgments, penalties (including excise taxes), fines, amounts paid in settlement
and reasonable expenses (including court costs and attorneys' fees) actually
incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding if it is determined
that he acted in good faith and reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct
in his official capacity on behalf of the Corporation that his conduct was in
the
23
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Corporation's best interests, (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and (iii) with respect to any
Proceeding which is a criminal action, that he had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful; provided, however, that in the event a
determination is made that such person is liable to the Corporation or is found
liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by such
person, the indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred
by such person in connection with the Proceeding and shall not be made in
respect of any Proceeding in which such person shall have been found liable for
willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to the
Corporation. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of
itself be determinative of whether the person did not act in good faith and in a
manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any Proceeding which is a
criminal action, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
A person shall be deemed to have been found liable in respect of any claim,
issue or matter only after the person shall have been so adjudged by a court of
competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom.
6.2 Determination of Indemnification. Any indemnification under the
--------------------------------
foregoing Section 6.1 (unless ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction)
shall be made by the Corporation only upon a determination that indemnification
of such person is proper in the circumstances by virtue of the fact that it
shall have been determined that such person has met the applicable standard of
conduct. Such determination shall be made (1) by a majority vote of a quorum
consisting of Directors who at the time of the vote are not named defendants or
respondents in the Proceeding; (2) if such quorum cannot be obtained, by a
majority vote of a
24
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committee of the Board of Directors, designated to act in the matter by a
majority of all Directors, consisting of two or more Directors who at the time
of the vote are not named defendants or respondents in the Proceeding; (3) by
special legal counsel (in a written opinion) selected by the Board of Directors
or a committee of the Board by a vote as set forth in Subsection (1) or (2) of
this Section, or, if such quorum cannot be established, by a majority vote of
all Directors (in which Directors who are named defendants or respondents in the
Proceeding may participate); or (4) by the stockholders of the Corporation in a
vote that excludes the shares held by Directors who are named defendants or
respondents in the Proceeding.
6.3 Advance of Expenses. Reasonable expenses, including court costs and
-------------------
attorneys' fees, incurred by a person who was or is a witness or who was or is
named as a defendant or respondent in a Proceeding, by reason of the fact that
such individual is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation, or while a
Director or officer of the Corporation is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee,
employee, agent or similar functionary of another corporation, partnership,
trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall be paid by the
Corporation at reasonable intervals in advance of the final disposition of such
Proceeding, and without the determination set forth in Section 6.2, upon receipt
by the Corporation of a written affirmation by such person of his good faith
belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification
under this Article 6, and a written undertaking by or on behalf of such person
to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the Corporation if it is ultimately
determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as
authorized in this Article 6. Such written undertaking shall be an unlimited
obligation of such person and it may be accepted without reference to financial
ability to make repayment.
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<PAGE>
6.4 Permissive Indemnification. The Board of Directors of the Corporation
--------------------------
may authorize the Corporation to indemnify employees or agents of the
Corporation, and to advance the reasonable expenses of such persons, to the same
extent, following the same determinations and upon the same conditions as are
required for the indemnification of and advancement of expenses to Directors and
officers of the Corporation.
6.5 Nature of Indemnification. The indemnification and advancement of
-------------------------
expenses provided hereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under the Certificate of
Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as to actions taken in an official
capacity and as to actions taken in any other capacity while holding such
office, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer,
employee or agent of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
6.6 Insurance. The Corporation shall have the power and authority to
---------
purchase and maintain insurance or another arrangement on behalf of any person
who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or who
is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent, or similar functionary
of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole
proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against any
liability, claim, damage, loss or risk asserted against such person and incurred
by such person in any such capacity or arising out of the status of such person
as such, irrespective of whether the Corporation would have the power to
indemnify and hold such person harmless against such liability under the
provisions hereof. If the insurance or other arrangement is with a person or
26
<PAGE>
entity that is not regularly engaged in the business of providing insurance
coverage, the insurance or arrangement may provide for payment of a liability
with respect to which the Corporation would not have the power to indemnify the
person only if including coverage for the additional liability has been approved
by the stockholders of the Corporation. Without limiting the power of the
Corporation to procure or maintain any kind of insurance or other arrangement,
the Corporation may, for the benefit of persons indemnified by the Corporation,
(1) create a trust fund; (2) establish any form of self-insurance; (3) secure
its indemnity obligation by grant of a security interest or other lien on the
assets of the Corporation; or (4) establish a letter of credit, guaranty, or
surety arrangement. The insurance or other arrangement may be procured,
maintained, or established within the Corporation or with any insurer or other
person deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors regardless of whether all or
part of the stock or other securities of the insurer or other person are owned
in whole or part by the Corporation. In the absence of fraud, the judgment of
the Board of Directors as to the terms and conditions of the insurance or other
arrangement and the identity of the insurer or other person participating in the
arrangement shall be conclusive and the insurance or arrangement shall not be
voidable and shall not subject the Directors approving the insurance or
arrangement to liability, on any ground, regardless of whether the Directors
participating in the approval is a beneficiary of the insurance or arrangement.
6.7 Notice. Any indemnification or advance of expenses to a present or
------
former Director or officer of the Corporation in accordance with this Article 6
shall be reported in writing to the stockholders of the Corporation with or
before the notice or waiver of notice of the next stockholders' meeting or with
or before the next submission of a consent to action without a
27
<PAGE>
meeting and, in any case, within the next twelve month period immediately
following the indemnification or advance.
ARTICLE 7
STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFER REGULATIONS
-------------------------------------------
7.1 Description of Certificates. The shares of the capital stock of the
---------------------------
Corporation shall be represented by certificates in the form approved by the
Board of Directors and signed in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman of
the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President or
Treasurer and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, and
sealed with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof. Each
certificate shall state on the face thereof the name of the holder, the number
and class of shares, the par value of shares covered thereby or a statement that
such shares are without par value, and such other matters as are required by
law. At such time as the Corporation may be authorized to issue shares of more
than one class, every certificate shall set forth upon the face or back of such
certificate a statement of the designations, preferences, limitations and
relative rights of the shares of each class authorized to be issued, as required
by the laws of the State of Delaware, or may state that the Corporation will
furnish a copy of such statement without charge to the holder of such
certificate upon receipt of a written request therefor from such holder.
7.2 Entitlement to Certificates. Every holder of the capital stock in the
---------------------------
Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed in the name of the
Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, President
or a Vice President or Treasurer and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
the Corporation, certifying the class of capital stock and the number of shares
represented thereby as owned or held by such stockholder in the Corporation.
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<PAGE>
7.3 Signatures. The signatures of the Chairman of the Board, Vice
----------
Chairman of the Board, President, Vice President or Treasurer, Secretary or
Assistant Secretary upon a certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer
or officers who have signed, or whose facsimile signature or signatures have
been placed upon any such certificate or certificates, shall cease to serve as
such officer or officers of the Corporation, whether because of death,
resignation, removal or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates are
issued and delivered by the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may
nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered with the
same effect as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or
certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used thereon
had not ceased to serve as such officer or officers of the Corporation.
7.4 Issuance of Certificates. Certificates evidencing shares of its
------------------------
capital stock (both treasury and authorized but unissued) may be issued for such
consideration (not less than par value, except for treasury shares which may be
issued for such consideration) and to such persons as the Board of Directors may
determine from time to time. Shares shall not be issued until the full amount
of the consideration, fixed as provided by law, has been paid.
7.5 Payment for Shares. Consideration for the issuance of shares shall be
------------------
paid, valued and allocated as follows:
(a) Consideration. The consideration for the issuance of shares shall
-------------
consist of money paid, labor done (including services actually performed
for the Corporation), or property (tangible or intangible) actually
received. Neither promissory notes nor the promise of future services
shall constitute payment of consideration for shares.
(b) Valuation. In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the
---------
determination of the Board of Directors as to the value of consideration
received shall be conclusive.
(c) Effect. When consideration, fixed as provided by law, has been
------
paid, the shares shall be deemed to have been issued and shall be
considered fully paid and nonassessable.
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<PAGE>
(d) Allocation of Consideration. The consideration received for
---------------------------
shares shall be allocated by the Board of Directors, in accordance with
law, between the stated capital and capital surplus accounts.
7.6 Subscriptions. Unless otherwise provided in the subscription
-------------
agreement, subscriptions of shares, whether made before or after organization of
the Corporation, shall be paid in full in such installments and at such times as
shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Any call made by the Board of
Directors for payment on subscriptions shall be uniform as to all shares of the
same class and series. In case of default in the payment of any installment or
call when payment is due, the Corporation may proceed to collect the amount due
in the same manner as any debt due to the Corporation.
7.7 Record Date. For the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to
-----------
notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, or any adjournment thereof,
or entitled to receive a distribution by the Corporation (other than a
distribution involving a purchase or redemption by the Corporation of any of its
own shares) or a share dividend, or in order to make a determination of
stockholders for any other proper purpose, the Board of Directors may fix a
record date for any such determination of stockholders, which record date shall
not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted
by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty
(60) days, and in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten (10)
days prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such
determination of stockholders is to be taken. If no record date is fixed for
the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
of stockholders, or stockholders entitled to receive a distribution (other than
a distribution involving a purchase or redemption by the Corporation of any of
its own shares) or a share dividend, the date before the date on which notice of
the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the Board of
Directors declaring such
30
<PAGE>
distribution or share dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the
record date for such determination of stockholders. When a determination of
stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as
provided in this Section, such determination shall be applied to any adjournment
thereof.
7.8 Registered Owners. Prior to due presentment for registration of
-----------------
transfer of a certificate evidencing shares of the capital stock of the
Corporation in the manner set forth in Section 7.10 hereof, the Corporation
shall be entitled to recognize the person registered as the owner of such shares
on its books (or the books of its duly appointed transfer agent, as the case may
be) as the person exclusively entitled to vote, to receive notices and dividends
with respect to, and otherwise exercise all rights and powers relative to such
shares; and the Corporation shall not be bound or otherwise obligated to
recognize any claim, direct or indirect, legal or equitable, to such shares by
any other person, whether or not it shall have actual, express or other notice
thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
7.9 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Corporation shall issue a
--------------------------------------
new certificate in place of any certificate for shares previously issued if the
registered owner of the certificate satisfies the following conditions:
(a) Proof of Loss. Submits proof in affidavit form satisfactory to
-------------
the Corporation that such certificate has been lost, destroyed or
wrongfully taken;
(b) Timely Request. Requests the issuance of a new certificate before
--------------
the Corporation has notice that the certificate has been acquired by a
purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;
(c) Bond. Gives a bond in such form, and with such surety or
----
sureties, with fixed or open penalty, as the Corporation may direct, to
indemnify the Corporation (and its transfer agent and registrar, if any)
against any claim that may be made or otherwise asserted by virtue of the
alleged loss, destruction, or theft of such certificate or certificates;
and
31
<PAGE>
(d) Other Requirements. Satisfies any other reasonable requirements
------------------
imposed by the Corporation.
In the event a certificate has been lost, apparently destroyed or
wrongfully taken, and the registered owner of record fails to notify the
Corporation within a reasonable time after he has notice of such loss,
destruction, or wrongful taking, and the Corporation registers a transfer (in
the manner hereinbelow set forth) of the shares represented by the certificate
before receiving such notification, such prior registered owner of record shall
be precluded from making any claim against the Corporation for the transfer
required hereunder or for a new certificate.
7.10 Registration of Transfers. Subject to the provisions hereof, the
-------------------------
Corporation shall register the transfer of a certificate evidencing shares of
its capital stock presented to it for transfer if:
(a) Endorsement. Upon surrender of the certificate to the Corporation
-----------
(or its transfer agent, as the case may be) for transfer, the certificate
(or an appended stock power) is properly endorsed by the registered owner,
or by his duly authorized legal representative or attorney-in-fact, with
proper written evidence of the authority and appointment of such
representative, if any, accompanying the certificate;
(b) Guaranty and Effectiveness of Signature. The signature of such
---------------------------------------
registered owner or his legal representative or attorney-in-fact, as the
case may be, has been guaranteed by a national banking association or
member of the New York Stock Exchange, and reasonable assurance in a form
satisfactory to the Corporation is given that such endorsements are genuine
and effective;
(c) Adverse Claims. The Corporation has no notice of an adverse claim
--------------
or has otherwise discharged any duty to inquire into such a claim;
(d) Collection of Taxes. Any applicable law (local, state or federal)
-------------------
relating to the collection of taxes relative to the transaction has been
complied with; and
(e) Additional Requirements Satisfied. Such additional conditions and
---------------------------------
documentation as the Corporation (or its transfer agent, as the case may
be) shall reasonably require, including without limitation thereto, the
delivery with the surrender of such stock certificate or certificates of
proper evidence of succession, assignment or other authority to obtain
transfer thereof, as the circumstances may require, and such legal opinions
with reference to the requested transfer as shall be required by the
32
<PAGE>
Corporation (or its transfer agent) pursuant to the provisions of these
Bylaws and applicable law, shall have been satisfied.
7.11 Restrictions on Transfer and Legends on Certificates.
----------------------------------------------------
(a) Shares in Classes or Series. If the Corporation is authorized to
---------------------------
issue shares of more than one class, the certificate shall set forth,
either on the face or back of the certificate, a full or summary statement
of all of the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative rights
of the shares of each such class and, if the Corporation is authorized to
issue any preferred or special class in series, the variations in the
relative rights and preferences of the shares of each such series so far as
the same have been fixed and determined, and the authority of the Board of
Directors to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of
subsequent series. In lieu of providing such a statement in full on the
certificate, a statement on the face or back of the certificate may provide
that the Corporation will furnish such information to any stockholder
without charge upon written request to the Corporation at its principal
place of business or registered office and that copies of the information
are on file in the office of the Secretary of State.
(b) Restriction on Transfer. Any restrictions imposed by the
-----------------------
Corporation on the sale or other disposition of its shares and on the
transfer thereof must be copied at length or in summary form on the face,
or so copied on the back and referred to on the face, of each certificate
representing shares to which the restriction applies. The certificate may
however state on the face or back that such a restriction exists pursuant
to a specified document and that the Corporation will furnish a copy of the
document to the holder of the certificate without charge upon written
request to the Corporation at its principal place of business.
(c) Unregistered Securities. Any security of the Corporation,
-----------------------
including, among others, any certificate evidencing shares of the capital
stock of the Corporation or warrants to purchase shares of capital stock of
the Corporation, which is issued to any person without registration under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Blue Sky laws of any state,
shall not be transferable until the Corporation has been furnished with a
legal opinion of counsel with reference thereto, satisfactory in form and
content to the Corporation and its counsel, to the effect that such sale,
transfer or pledge does not involve a violation of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or the Blue Sky laws of any state having jurisdiction.
The certificate representing the security shall bear substantially the
following legend:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAW BUT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR THE PRIVATE INVESTMENT OF THE
HOLDER HEREOF AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED UNTIL EITHER (i)
A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH SECURITIES ACT OR SUCH APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS SHALL HAVE BECOME
33
<PAGE>
EFFECTIVE WITH REGARD THERETO, OR (ii) THE CORPORATION SHALL HAVE RECEIVED
AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE CORPORATION AND ITS COUNSEL THAT
REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH SECURITIES ACT OR SUCH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES
LAWS IS NOT REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH PROPOSED OFFER, SALE OR
TRANSFER.
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS
------------------
8.1 Dividends. Subject to the provisions of the General Corporation Law
---------
of Delaware, as amended, and the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends of the
Corporation shall be declared and paid pursuant to the following regulations:
(a) Declaration and Payment. Dividends on the issued and outstanding
-----------------------
shares of capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of
Directors at any regular or special meeting and may be paid in cash, in
property, or in shares of capital stock. Such declaration and payment
shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
(b) Record Date. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a record
-----------
date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to receive
payment of any dividend, such record date to be not more than sixty (60)
days prior to the payment date of such dividend, or the Board of Directors
may close the stock transfer books for such purpose for a period of not
more than sixty (60) days prior to the payment date of such dividend. In
the absence of action by the Board of Directors, the date upon which the
Board of Directors adopt the resolution declaring such dividend shall be
the record date.
8.2 Reserves. There may be created by resolution of the Board of
--------
Directors out of the surplus of the Corporation such reserve or reserves as the
Board of Directors from time to time, in its discretion, think proper to provide
for contingencies, or to repair or maintain any property of the Corporation, or
for such other purposes as the Board of Directors shall think beneficial to the
Corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve
in the manner in which it was created.
8.3 Books and Records. The Corporation shall maintain correct and
-----------------
complete books and records of account and shall prepare and maintain minutes of
the proceedings of its
34
<PAGE>
stockholders, its Board of Directors and each committee of its Board of
Directors. The Corporation shall keep at its registered office or principal
place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record
of original issuance of shares issued by the Corporation and a record of each
transfer of those shares that have been presented to the Corporation for
registration or transfer. Such records shall contain the names and addresses of
all past and present stockholders and the number and class of the shares issued
by the Corporation held by each.
8.4 Annual Statement. The Board of Directors shall present at or before
----------------
each annual meeting of stockholders a full and clear statement of the business
and financial condition of the Corporation, including a reasonably detailed
balance sheet and income statement under current date.
8.5 Contracts and Negotiable Instruments. Except as otherwise provided by
------------------------------------
law or these Bylaws, any contract or other instrument relative to the business
of the Corporation may be executed and delivered in the name of the Corporation
and on its behalf by the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer or President of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may authorize
any other officer or agent of the Corporation to enter into any contract or
execute and deliver any contract in the name and on behalf of the Corporation,
and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances as the Board
of Directors may determine by resolution. All bills, notes, checks or other
instruments for the payment of money shall be signed or countersigned by such
officer, officers, agent or agents and in such manner as are permitted by these
Bylaws and/or as, from time to time, may be prescribed by resolution of the
Board of Directors. Unless authorized to do so by these Bylaws or by the Board
of Directors, no officer,
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agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by
any contract or engagement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable
pecuniarily for any purpose or to any amount.
8.6 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on the
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Saturday closest to September 30.
8.7 Corporate Seal. The Corporation seal shall be in such form as may be
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determined by the Board of Directors. The seal may be used by causing it or a
facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner reproduced.
8.8 Resignations. Any Director, officer or agent may resign his office or
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position with the Corporation by delivering written notice thereof to the
Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Operating Officer, President or Secretary. Such resignation shall be
effective at the time specified therein, or immediately upon delivery if no time
is specified. Unless otherwise specified therein, an acceptance of such
resignation shall not be a necessary prerequisite of its effectiveness.
8.9 Amendment of Bylaws. These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or
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repealed and new Bylaws adopted at any meeting of the Board of Directors or
stockholders at which a quorum is present, by the affirmative vote of a majority
of the Directors or stockholders, as the case may be, present at such meeting,
provided notice of the proposed alteration, amendment, or repeal be contained in
the notice of such meeting.
8.10 Construction. Whenever the context so requires herein, the masculine
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shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular shall include the
plural, and conversely. If any portion or provision of these Bylaws shall be
held invalid or inoperative, then, so far as is reasonable and possible: (1)
the remainder of these Bylaws shall be considered valid and
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operative, and (2) effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion
or provision held invalid or inoperative.
8.11 Telephone Meetings. Stockholders, Directors or members of any
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committee may hold any meeting of such stockholders, Directors or committee by
means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment which permits
all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other and actions taken at
such meetings shall have the same force and effect as if taken at a meeting at
which persons were present and voting in person. The Secretary of the
Corporation shall prepare a memorandum of the action taken at any such
telephonic meeting.
8.12 Table of Contents; Captions. The table of contents and captions used
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in these Bylaws have been inserted for administrative convenience only and do
not constitute matter to be construed in interpretation.
IN DUE CERTIFICATION WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the Secretary of
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION, confirms the adoption and approval of the foregoing
Bylaws, effective as of the 14th day of May, 1999.
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RICHARD A. COGDILL, Secretary
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