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EXHIBIT 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BYLAWS
OF
ZYDECO ENERGY, INC.
A Delaware Corporation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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ARTICLE ONE: OFFICES............................... 1
1.1 Registered Office and Agent............. 1
1.2 Other Offices........................... 1
ARTICLE TWO: MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS.............. 1
2.1 Annual Meeting.......................... 1
2.2 Special Meeting......................... 1
2.3 Place of Meetings....................... 2
2.4 Notice.................................. 2
2.5 Voting List............................. 2
2.6 Quorum.................................. 3
2.7 Required Vote; Withdrawal of Quorum..... 3
2.8 Method of Voting; Proxies............... 3
2.9 Record Date............................. 4
2.10 Conduct of Meeting...................... 4
2.11 Inspectors.............................. 5
ARTICLE THREE: DIRECTORS........................... 5
3.1 Management.............................. 5
3.2 Number; Qualification; Election; Term... 5
3.3 Change in Number........................ 6
3.4 Removal................................. 6
3.5 Vacancies............................... 6
3.6 Meetings of Directors................... 6
3.7 First Meeting........................... 6
3.8 Election of Officers.................... 7
3.9 Regular Meetings........................ 7
3.10 Special Meetings........................ 7
3.11 Notice.................................. 7
3.12 Quorum; Majority Vote................... 7
3.13 Procedure............................... 7
(ii)
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3.14 Presumption of Assent................... 8
3.15 Compensation............................ 8
ARTICLE FOUR: COMMITTEES........................... 8
4.1 Designation............................. 8
4.2 Number; Qualification; Term............. 8
4.3 Authority............................... 8
4.4 Committee Changes....................... 8
4.5 Alternate Members of Committees......... 8
4.6 Regular Meetings........................ 9
4.7 Special Meetings........................ 9
4.8 Quorum; Majority Vote................... 9
4.9 Minutes................................. 9
4.10 Compensation............................ 9
4.11 Responsibility.......................... 9
ARTICLE FIVE: NOTICE............................... 9
5.1 Method.................................. 9
5.2 Waiver.................................. 10
ARTICLE SIX: OFFICERS ............................. 10
6.1 Number; Titles; Term of Office.......... 10
6.2 Removal................................. 10
6.3 Vacancies............................... 10
6.4 Authority............................... 10
6.5 Compensation............................ 10
6.6 Chairman of the Board................... 11
6.7 President............................... 11
6.8 Vice Presidents......................... 11
6.9 Treasurer............................... 11
6.10 Assistant Treasurers.................... 11
6.11 Secretary............................... 12
6.12 Assistant Secretaries................... 12
(iii)
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ARTICLE SEVEN: CERTIFICATES AND STOCKHOLDERS.......... 12
7.1 Certificates for Shares.................... 12
7.2 Replacement of Lost or Destroyed........... 12
Certificates.......................................... 12
7.3 Transfer of Shares......................... 13
7.4 Registered Stockholders.................... 13
7.5 Regulations................................ 13
7.6 Legends.................................... 13
ARTICLE EIGHT: INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES AND OTHER AGENTS............ 13
8.1 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.. 13
8.2 Indemnification of Others.................. 14
8.3 Insurance.................................. 14
8.4 Expenses................................... 14
8.5 Non-Exclusivity of Rights.................. 15
8.6 Survival of Rights......................... 15
8.7 Contractual Nature; Amendments............. 15
ARTICLE NINE: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS................ 15
9.1 Dividends.................................. 15
9.2 Reserves................................... 15
9.3 Books and Records.......................... 15
9.4 Fiscal Year................................ 16
9.5 Seal....................................... 16
9.6 Resignations............................... 16
9.7 Securities of Other Corporations........... 16
9.8 Telephone Meetings......................... 16
9.9 Action Without a Meeting................... 16
9.10 Invalid Provisions......................... 17
9.11 Mortgages, etc............................. 17
9.12 Headings................................... 17
9.13 References................................. 17
9.14 Amendments................................. 17
(iv)
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AMENDED AND RESTATED
BYLAWS
OF
ZYDECO ENERGY, INC.
A DELAWARE CORPORATION
PREAMBLE
These bylaws are subject to, and governed by, the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware General Corporation Law") and the
certificate of incorporation of Zydeco Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation"). In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of
these bylaws and the mandatory provisions of the Delaware General Corporation
Law or the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation,
such provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation, as the case may be, will be controlling.
ARTICLE ONE: OFFICES
1.1 Registered Office and Agent. The registered office and registered
agent of the Corporation shall be as designated from time to time by the
appropriate filing by the Corporation in the office of the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware.
1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other
places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the board of directors
may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation may
require.
ARTICLE TWO: MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
2.1 Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation
shall be held each calendar year on such date and at such time as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice
of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice of such meeting. At such
meeting, the stockholders shall elect directors and transact such other business
as may properly be brought before the meeting.
2.2 Special Meeting. A special meeting of the stockholders may be called
at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the board of directors,
and shall be called by the President or the Secretary at the request in writing
of the stockholders of record of not less than ten percent of all shares
entitled to vote at such meeting or as otherwise provided by the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation. A special meeting shall be held on such date
and at such time as shall be designated by the person(s) calling the meeting and
stated in the notice of
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the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice of such meeting. Only such
business shall be transacted at a special meeting as may be stated or indicated
in the notice of such meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice of such
meeting.
2.3 Place of Meetings. An annual meeting of stockholders may be held at
any place within or without the State of Delaware designated by the board of
directors. A special meeting of stockholders may be held at any place within or
without the State of Delaware designated in the notice of the meeting or a duly
executed waiver of notice of such meeting. Meetings of stockholders shall be
held at the principal office of the Corporation unless another place is
designated for meetings in the manner provided herein.
2.4 Notice. (a) Written or printed notice stating the place, day, and time
of each meeting of the stockholders and, in case of a special meeting, the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be delivered not less
than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, either personally
or by mail, by or at the direction of the President, the Secretary, or the
officer or person(s) calling the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled
to vote at such meeting. If such notice is to be sent by mail, it shall be
directed to such stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the
Corporation, unless he shall have filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a
written request that notices to him be mailed to some other address, in which
case it shall be directed to him at such other address. Notice of any meeting
of stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who shall
attend such meeting in person or by proxy and shall not, at the beginning of
such meeting, object to the transaction of any business because the meeting is
not lawfully called or convened, or who shall, either before or after the
meeting, submit a signed waiver of notice, in person or by proxy.
(b) Notice shall not be required to be given to any stockholder to whom (a)
notices of two consecutive annual meetings, and all notices of meetings or of
the taking of action by written consent without a meeting to such stockholder
during the period between such two annual meetings, or (b) all, and at least
two, payments (if sent by first class mail) of dividends or interest on
securities during a twelve month period, have been mailed addressed to such
stockholder at his address as shown on the records of the Corporation and have
been returned undeliverable. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held
without notice to such stockholder shall have the same force and effect as if
such notice had been duly given. If any such stockholder shall deliver to the
Corporation a written notice setting forth his then current address, the
requirement that notice be given to such stockholder shall be reinstated.
2.5 Voting List. At least ten days before each meeting of stockholders,
the Secretary or other officer of the Corporation who has charge of the
Corporation's stock ledger, either directly or through another officer appointed
by him or through a transfer agent appointed by the board of directors, shall
prepare a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of
shares registered in the name of each stockholder. For a period of ten days
prior to such meeting, such list shall be kept on file at a place within the
city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the
notice of meeting or a duly executed waiver of notice of such meeting
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or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held and shall
be open to examination by any stockholder during ordinary business hours. Such
list shall be produced at such meeting and kept at the meeting at all times
during such meeting and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
2.6 Quorum. The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote on a matter, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting of stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these bylaws. If a quorum
shall not be present, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders, the
stockholders entitled to vote thereat who are present, in person or by proxy,
or, if no stockholder entitled to vote is present, any officer of the
Corporation may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than
announcement at the meeting (unless the board of directors, after such
adjournment, fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting), until a quorum
shall be present, in person or by proxy. At any adjourned meeting at which a
quorum shall be present, in person or by proxy, any business may be transacted
which may have been transacted at the original meeting had a quorum been
present; provided that, if the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if after
the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice
of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled
to vote at the adjourned meeting.
2.7 Required Vote; Withdrawal of Quorum. When a quorum is present at any
meeting, the vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall decide any
question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one on which, by
express provision of statute, the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, or these bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such
express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. The
stockholders present at a duly constituted meeting may continue to transact
business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
stockholders to leave less than a quorum.
2.8 Method of Voting; Proxies. Except as otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or by law, each outstanding
share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter
submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders. Elections of directors need
not be by written ballot. At any meeting of stockholders, every stockholder
having the right to vote may vote either in person or by a proxy executed in
writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, or by any
proxy method permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Each such proxy
shall be filed with the Secretary of the Corporation before or at the time of
the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after three years from the date of its
execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. If no date is stated in a
proxy, such proxy shall be presumed to have been executed on the date of the
meeting at which it is to be voted. Each proxy shall be revocable unless
expressly provided therein to be irrevocable and coupled with an interest
sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power or unless otherwise made
irrevocable by law.
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2.9 Record Date. (a) 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 payment of any dividend or other distribution or
allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any
change, conversion, or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful
action, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall
not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted
by the board of directors, for any such determination of stockholders, such date
in any case to be not more than 60 days and not less than ten days prior to such
meeting nor more than 60 days prior to any other action. If no record date is
fixed:
(i) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of
or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business
on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice is
waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which
the meeting is held.
(ii) The record date for determining stockholders for any other
purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of
directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
(iii) A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of
or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of
the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new
record date for the adjourned meeting.
(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled
to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the board of
directors may fix a record date, 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 date shall not be more than ten 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, the
record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action
in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the board of directors is
required by law or these bylaws, 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 in the State
of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the
Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of
stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation's registered office
in the State of Delaware, principal place of business, or such officer or agent
shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors and prior action by
the board of directors is required by law or these bylaws, 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 the resolution taking such prior action.
2.10 Conduct of Meeting. The Chairman of the Board, if such office has
been filled, and, if not or if the Chairman of the Board is absent or otherwise
unable to act, the President
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shall preside at all meetings of stockholders. The Secretary shall keep the
records of each meeting of stockholders. In the absence or inability to act of
any such officer, such officer's duties shall be performed by the officer given
the authority to act for such absent or non-acting officer under these bylaws or
by some person appointed by the meeting.
2.11 Inspectors. The board of directors shall, in advance of any meeting
of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at such meeting or any
adjournment thereof. If any of the inspectors so appointed shall fail to appear
or act, or if inspectors shall not have been appointed, the chairman of the
meeting shall, appoint one or more inspectors. Each inspector, before entering
upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to
execute the duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and
according to the best of his ability. The inspectors shall determine the number
of shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding and the voting power
of each, the number of shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a
quorum, and the validity and effect of proxies and shall receive votes, ballots,
or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in
connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots, or
consents, determine the results, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the
election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the chairman
of the meeting, the inspectors shall make a report in writing of any challenge,
request, or matter determined by them and shall execute a certificate of any
fact found by them. No director or candidate for the office of director shall
act as an inspector of an election of directors. Inspectors need not be
stockholders.
ARTICLE THREE: DIRECTORS
3.1 Management. The business and property of the Corporation shall be
managed by the board of directors. Subject to the restrictions imposed by law,
the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these bylaws, the board
of directors may exercise all the powers of the Corporation.
3.2 Number; Qualification; Election; Term. The number of directors which
shall constitute the entire board of directors shall be not less than one. The
first board of directors shall consist of the number of directors named in the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or, if no directors are so
named, shall consist of the number of directors elected by the incorporator(s)
at an organizational meeting or by unanimous written consent in lieu thereof.
Thereafter, within the limits above specified, the number of directors which
shall constitute the entire board of directors shall be determined by resolution
of the board of directors or by resolution of the stockholders at the annual
meeting thereof or at a special meeting thereof called for that purpose. Except
as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, or these bylaws, the directors shall be elected at an annual
meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present. Directors shall be
elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Each
director so chosen shall hold office until the first annual meeting of
stockholders held after his election and until his successor is elected and
qualified or, if earlier, until his death, resignation,
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or removal from office. None of the directors need be a stockholder of the
Corporation or a resident of the State of Delaware. Each director must have
attained the age of majority.
3.3 Change in Number. No decrease in the number of directors constituting
the entire board of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of
any incumbent director.
3.4 Removal. Except as otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation or these bylaws, at any meeting of stockholders
called expressly for that purpose, any director or the entire board of directors
may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of the holders of a majority of
the shares then entitled to vote on the election of directors; provided,
however, that so long as stockholders have the right to cumulate votes in the
election of directors pursuant to the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, if less than the entire board of directors is to be removed, no one
of the directors may be removed if the votes cast against his removal would be
sufficient to elect him if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire
board of directors.
3.5 Vacancies. Vacancies and newly-created directorships resulting from
any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority
of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by the sole
remaining director, and each director so chosen shall hold office until the
first annual meeting of stockholders held after his election and until his
successor is elected and qualified or, if earlier, until his death, resignation,
or removal from office. If there are no directors in office, an election of
directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. If, at the time of
filling any vacancy or any newly-created directorship, the directors then in
office shall constitute less than a majority of the whole board of directors (as
constituted immediately prior to any such increase), the Court of Chancery may,
upon application of any stockholder or stockholders holding at least 10% of the
total number of the shares at the time outstanding having the right to vote for
such directors, summarily order an election to be held to fill any such
vacancies or newly-created directorships or to replace the directors chosen by
the directors then in office. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws,
when one or more directors shall resign from the board of directors, effective
at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those
who have so resigned, shall have the power to fill such vacancy or vacancies,
the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall
become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office as provided in
these bylaws with respect to the filling of other vacancies.
3.6 Meetings of Directors. The directors may hold their meetings and may
have an office and keep the books of the Corporation, except as otherwise
provided by statute, in such place or places within or without the State of
Delaware as the board of directors may from time to time determine or as shall
be specified in the notice of such meeting or duly executed waiver of notice of
such meeting.
3.7 First Meeting. Each newly elected board of directors may hold its
first meeting for the purpose of organization and the transaction of business,
if a quorum is present,
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immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders,
and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary.
3.8 Election of Officers. At the first meeting of the board of directors
after each annual meeting of stockholders at which a quorum shall be present,
the board of directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation.
3.9 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be
held at such times and places as shall be designated from time to time by
resolution of the board of directors. Notice of such regular meetings shall not
be required.
3.10 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors shall be
held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or any
director.
3.11 Notice. The Secretary shall give notice of each special meeting to
each director at least 24 hours before the meeting. Notice of any such meeting
need not be given to any director who shall, either before or after the meeting,
submit a signed waiver of notice or who shall attend such meeting without
protesting, prior to or at its commencement, the lack of notice to him. Neither
the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special
meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of
notice of such meeting.
3.12 Quorum; Majority Vote. At all meetings of the board of directors, a
majority of the directors fixed in the manner provided in these bylaws shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If at any meeting of the
board of directors there be less than a quorum present, a majority of those
present or any director solely present may adjourn the meeting from time to time
without further notice. Unless the act of a greater number is required by law,
the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these bylaws, the act of
a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is in
attendance shall be the act of the board of directors. At any time that the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation provides that directors elected
by the holders of a class or series of stock shall have more or less than one
vote per director on any matter, every reference in these bylaws to a majority
or other proportion of directors shall refer to a majority or other proportion
of the votes of such directors.
3.13 Procedure. At meetings of the board of directors, business shall be
transacted in such order as from time to time the board of directors may
determine. The Chairman of the Board, if such office has been filled, and, if
not or if the Chairman of the Board is absent or otherwise unable to act, the
President shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors. In the
absence or inability to act of either such officer, a chairman shall be chosen
by the board of directors from among the directors present. The Secretary of
the Corporation shall act as the secretary of each meeting of the board of
directors unless the board of directors appoints another person to act as
secretary of the meeting. The board of directors shall keep regular minutes of
its proceedings which shall be placed in the minute book of the Corporation.
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3.14 Presumption of Assent. A director of the Corporation who is present
at a meeting of the board of directors at which action on any corporate matter
is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his dissent
shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his
written dissent to such action with the person acting as secretary of the
meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward any dissent by certified
or registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after the
adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director
who voted in favor of such action.
3.15 Compensation. The board of directors shall have the authority to fix
the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, paid to
directors for attendance at regular or special meetings of the board of
directors or any committee thereof; provided, that nothing contained herein
shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any
other capacity or receiving compensation therefor.
ARTICLE FOUR: COMMITTEES
4.1 Designation. The board of directors may, by resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire board of directors, designate one or more committees.
4.2 Number; Qualification; Term. Each committee shall consist of one or
more directors appointed by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board
of directors. The number of committee members may be increased or decreased
from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board of
directors. Each committee member shall serve as such until the earliest of (i)
the expiration of his term as director, (ii) his resignation as a committee
member or as a director, or (iii) his removal as a committee member or as a
director.
4.3 Authority. Each committee, to the extent expressly provided in the
resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all of the
authority of the board of directors in the management of the business and
property of the Corporation except to the extent expressly restricted by law,
the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these bylaws.
4.4 Committee Changes. The board of directors shall have the power at any
time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, and to discharge any
committee.
4.5 Alternate Members of Committees. The board of directors may designate
one or more directors as alternate members of any committee. Any such alternate
member may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the
committee. If no alternate committee members have been so appointed to a
committee or each such alternate committee member is absent or disqualified, the
member or members of such committee present at any meeting and not disqualified
from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously
appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in the
place of any such absent or disqualified member.
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4.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of any committee may be held
without notice at such time and place as may be designated from time to time by
the committee and communicated to all members thereof.
4.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of any committee may be held
whenever called by any committee member. The committee member calling any
special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting, including therein
the time and place of such special meeting, to be given to each committee member
at least 24 hours before such special meeting. Neither the business to be
transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of any committee need be
specified in the notice or waiver of notice of any special meeting.
4.8 Quorum; Majority Vote. At meetings of any committee, a majority of
the number of members designated by the board of directors shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at a meeting
of any committee, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting from
time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a
quorum is present. The act of a majority of the members present at any meeting
at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of a committee, unless the
act of a greater number is required by law, the certificate of incorporation of
the Corporation, or these bylaws.
4.9 Minutes. Each committee shall cause minutes of its proceedings to be
prepared and shall report the same to the board of directors upon the request of
the board of directors. The minutes of the proceedings of each committee shall
be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute
books of the Corporation.
4.10 Compensation. Committee members may, by resolution of the board of
directors, be allowed a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for
attending any committee meetings or a stated salary.
4.11 Responsibility. The designation of any committee and the delegation
of authority to it shall not operate to relieve the board of directors or any
director of any responsibility imposed by law upon the board of directors or
such director.
ARTICLE FIVE: NOTICE
5.1 Method. Whenever by statute, the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, or these bylaws, notice is required to be given to any committee
member, director, or stockholder and no provision is made as to how such notice
shall be given, personal notice shall not be required and any such notice may be
given (a) in writing, by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such committee
member, director, or stockholder at his address as it appears on the books or
(in the case of a stockholder) the stock transfer records of the Corporation, or
(b) by any other method permitted by law (including but not limited to overnight
courier service, telegram, telex, or telefax). Any notice required or permitted
to be given by mail shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time when
the same is deposited in the United States mail as aforesaid. Any
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notice required or permitted to be given by overnight courier service shall be
deemed to be delivered and given at the time delivered to such service with all
charges prepaid and addressed as aforesaid. Any notice required or permitted to
be given by telegram, telex, or telefax shall be deemed to be delivered and
given at the time transmitted with all charges prepaid and addressed as
aforesaid.
5.2 Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any
stockholder, director, or committee member of the Corporation by statute, the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, 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 equivalent to the
giving of such notice. Attendance of a stockholder, director, or committee
member at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except
where such person attends for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened.
ARTICLE SIX: OFFICERS
6.1 Number; Titles; Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall
be a President, a Secretary, and such other officers as the board of directors
may from time to time elect or appoint, including a Chairman of the Board, one
or more Vice Presidents (with each Vice President to have such descriptive
title, if any, as the board of directors shall determine), and a Treasurer.
Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected
and shall have qualified, until his death, or until he shall resign or shall
have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices
may be held by the same person. None of the officers need be a stockholder or a
director of the Corporation or a resident of the State of Delaware.
6.2 Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the board of
directors may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the
best interest of the Corporation will be served thereby, but 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.
6.3 Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation (by
death, resignation, removal, or otherwise) may be filled by the board of
directors.
6.4 Authority. Officers 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.
6.5 Compensation. The compensation, if any, of officers and agents shall
be fixed from time to time by the board of directors; provided, however, that
the board of directors may delegate the power to determine the compensation of
any officer and agent (other than the officer
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to whom such power is delegated) to the Chairman of the Board, or the President,
or a committee of directors.
6.6 Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board, if elected by the
board of directors, shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed by
the board of directors. Such officer shall preside at all meetings of the
stockholders and of the board of directors. Such officer may sign all
certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation.
6.7 President. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation and, subject to the board of directors, he shall have general
executive charge, management, and control of the properties and operations of
the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business, with all powers with
respect to such properties and operations as may be reasonably incident to such
responsibilities. If the board of directors has not elected a Chairman of the
Board or in the absence or inability to act of the Chairman of the Board, the
President shall exercise all of the powers and discharge all of the duties of
the Chairman of the Board. As between the Corporation and third parties, any
action taken by the President in the performance of the duties of the Chairman
of the Board shall be conclusive evidence that there is no Chairman of the Board
or that the Chairman of the Board is absent or unable to act.
6.8 Vice Presidents. If the board of directors elects or appoints one or
more Vice Presidents, each Vice President shall have such powers and duties as
may be assigned to him by the board of directors, the Chairman of the Board, or
the President, and (in order of their seniority as determined by the board of
directors or, in the absence of such determination, as determined by the length
of time they have held the office of Vice President) shall exercise the powers
of the President during that officer's absence or inability to act. As between
the Corporation and third parties, any action taken by a Vice President in the
performance of the duties of the President shall be conclusive evidence of the
absence or inability to act of the President at the time such action was taken.
6.9 Treasurer. If the board of directors elects or appoints a Treasurer,
the Treasurer shall have custody of the Corporation's funds and securities,
shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements, shall
deposit all monies and valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the
Corporation in such depository or depositories as may be designated by the board
of directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the
board of directors, the Chairman of the Board, or the President.
6.10 Assistant Treasurers. If the board of directors elects or appoints
one or more Assistant Treasurers, each Assistant Treasurer shall have such
powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the board of directors, the
Chairman of the Board, or the President. The Assistant Treasurers (in the order
of their seniority as determined by the board of directors or, in the absence of
such a determination, as determined by the length of time they have held the
office of Assistant Treasurer) shall exercise the powers of the Treasurer during
that officer's absence or inability to act.
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6.11 Secretary. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, the
Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the board of directors and
of the stockholders in books provided for that purpose, and he shall attend to
the giving and service of all notices. He may sign with the Chairman of the
Board or the President, in the name of the Corporation, all contracts of the
Corporation and affix the seal of the Corporation thereto. He may sign with the
Chairman of the Board or the President all certificates for shares of stock of
the Corporation, and he shall have charge of the certificate books, transfer
books, and stock papers as the board of directors may direct, all of which shall
at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any director upon application
at the office of the Corporation during business hours. He shall in general
perform all duties incident to the office of the Secretary, subject to the
control of the board of directors, the Chairman of the Board, and the President.
6.12 Assistant Secretaries. If the board of directors elects or appoints
one or more Assistant Secretaries, each Assistant Secretary shall have such
powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the board of directors, the
Chairman of the Board, or the President. The Assistant Secretaries (in the
order of their seniority as determined by the board of directors or, in the
absence of such a determination, as determined by the length of time they have
held the office of Assistant Secretary) shall exercise the powers of the
Secretary during that officer's absence or inability to act.
ARTICLE SEVEN: CERTIFICATES AND STOCKHOLDERS
7.1 Certificates for Shares. Certificates for shares of stock of the
Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the board of
directors. The certificates shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board or the
President or a Vice President and also by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary or by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer. Any and all signatures
on the certificate may be a facsimile and may be sealed with the seal of the
Corporation or a facsimile thereof. If any officer, transfer agent, or
registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon, a
certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before
such certificate is issued, such certificate may be issued by the Corporation
with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at
the date of issue. The certificates shall be consecutively numbered and shall
be entered in the books of the Corporation as they are issued and shall exhibit
the holder's name and the number of shares.
7.2 Replacement of Lost or Destroyed Certificates. The board of directors
may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of a
certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation and alleged to
have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
person claiming the certificate or certificates representing shares to be lost
or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates
the board of directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to
the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate or
certificates, or his legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner
as it shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond with a surety or
sureties satisfactory to the Corporation in such sum as it may direct as
indemnity against any
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claim, or expense resulting from a claim, that may be made against the
Corporation with respect to the certificate or certificates alleged to have been
lost or destroyed.
7.3 Transfer of Shares. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be
transferable only on the books of the Corporation by the holders thereof in
person or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives. Upon
surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a
certificate representing shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence
of succession, assignment, or authority to transfer, the Corporation or its
transfer agent shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto,
cancel the old certificate, and record the transaction upon its books.
7.4 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat
the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact
thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other
claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person,
whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as
otherwise provided by law.
7.5 Regulations. The board of directors shall have the power and
authority to make all such rules and regulations as they may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer, and registration or the replacement of
certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation.
7.6 Legends. The board of directors shall have the power and authority to
provide that certificates representing shares of stock bear such legends as the
board of directors deems appropriate to assure that the Corporation does not
become liable for violations of federal or state securities laws or other
applicable law.
ARTICLE EIGHT: INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS,
OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHER AGENTS
8.1 Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The Corporation shall, to
the maximum extent and in the manner permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, indemnify each of its directors and officers against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceeding, arising by
reason of the fact that such person is or was an agent of the Corporation;
provided, however, that the Corporation may modify the extent of such
indemnification by individual contracts with its directors and executive
officers and, provided, further, that the Corporation shall not be required to
indemnify any director or officer in connection with any proceeding (or part
thereof) initiated by such person unless (a) such indemnification is expressly
required to be made by law, (b) the proceeding was authorized in advance by the
board of directors of the Corporation, (c) such indemnification is provided by
the Corporation, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the
Corporation under the Delaware General Corporation Law or (d) such
indemnification is required to be made pursuant to an individual contract. For
purposes of this Section 8.1, a "director" or "officer" of the Corporation
includes any person (i) who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation,
(ii) who is or was serving at
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the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or (iii) who was a
director or officer of a Corporation which was a predecessor corporation of the
Corporation or of another enterprise at the request of such predecessor
corporation.
8.2 Indemnification of Others. The Corporation shall have the power, to
the maximum extent and in the manner permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, to indemnify each of its employees and agents (other than
directors and officers) against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with any proceeding, arising by reason of the fact that such person
is or was an agent of the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 8.2, an
"employee" or "agent" of the Corporation (other than a director or officer)
includes any person (a) who is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation,
(b) who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, or (c) who was an employee or agent of a Corporation which was a
predecessor corporation of the Corporation or of another enterprise at the
request of such predecessor corporation.
8.3 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or
her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or
her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to
indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of the Delaware
General Corporation Law.
8.4 Expenses. (a) The Corporation shall advance to any person who was or
is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or
officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the
proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by any
director or officer in connection with such proceeding, upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay said amounts if it should be
determined ultimately that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under
these bylaws or otherwise; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not be
required to advance expenses to any director or officer in connection with any
proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless the proceeding was
authorized in advance by the board of directors of the Corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to
Section 8.5, no advance shall be made by the Corporation to an officer of the
Corporation (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director
of the Corporation in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
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administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly
made (i) by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors who were not parties to the proceeding, or (ii) if such quorum is not
obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known
to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate
clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that
such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation.
8.5 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by these
bylaws shall not be exclusive of any other right which such person may have or
hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of
incorporation, bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to
action in another capacity while holding office. The Corporation is specifically
authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors,
officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the
fullest extent not prohibited by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
8.6 Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by these bylaws
shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee
or other agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
8.7 Contractual Nature; Amendments. The rights granted pursuant to this
Article Eight shall be deemed contract rights, and any repeal or modification of
these bylaws shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights under
these bylaws in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or
omission to act that is the cause of any proceeding against any agent of the
Corporation.
ARTICLE NINE: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9.1 Dividends. Subject to provisions of law and the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation, dividends 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 stock of the Corporation. Such declaration and
payment shall be at the discretion of the board of directors.
9.2 Reserves. There may be created by the board of directors out of funds
of the Corporation legally available therefor such reserve or reserves as the
directors from time to time, in their discretion, consider proper to provide for
contingencies, to equalize dividends, or to repair or maintain any property of
the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the board of directors shall
consider beneficial to the Corporation, and the board of directors may modify or
abolish any such reserve in their discretion.
9.3 Books and Records. The Corporation shall keep correct and complete
books and records of account, shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its
stockholders and board of directors and shall keep at its registered office or
principal place of business, or at the office of
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its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its stockholders, giving the names
and addresses of all stockholders and the number and class of the shares held by
each.
9.4 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the
board of directors; provided, that if such fiscal year is not fixed by the board
of directors and the selection of the fiscal year is not expressly deferred by
the board of directors, the fiscal year shall be the calendar year.
9.5 Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall be such as from time to time
may be approved by the board of directors.
9.6 Resignations. Any director, committee member, or officer may resign
by so stating at any meeting of the board of directors or by giving written
notice to the board of directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President, or
the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein
or, if no time is specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. Unless
otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.
9.7 Securities of Other Corporations. The Chairman of the Board, the
President, or any Vice President of the Corporation shall have the power and
authority to transfer, endorse for transfer, vote, consent, or take any other
action with respect to any securities of another issuer which may be held or
owned by the Corporation and to make, execute, and deliver any waiver, proxy, or
consent with respect to any such securities.
9.8 Telephone Meetings. Stockholders (acting for themselves or through a
proxy), members of the board of directors, and members of a committee of the
board of directors may participate in and hold a meeting of such stockholders,
board of directors, or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which persons participating in the meeting
can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this section
shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except where a person
participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened.
9.9 Action Without a Meeting. (a) Unless otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, any action required by the
Delaware General Corporation Law to be taken at any annual or special meeting of
the stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special
meeting of the stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior
notice, and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth
the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders (acting for themselves or
through a proxy) of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of
votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at
which the holders of all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted
and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office
in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or
agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of
meetings of stockholders
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are recorded. Every written consent of stockholders shall bear the date of
signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall
be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within
sixty days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by
this Section 9.9(a) to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient
number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to
its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business,
or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which
proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the
Corporation's registered office, principal place of business, or such officer or
agent shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested. If any such action is taken by less then unanimous consent of the
stockholders, prompt notice thereof shall be given to all nonconsenting
stockholders.
(b) Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation or by these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at
a meeting of the board of directors, or of any committee of the board of
directors, may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing,
setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the directors or all
the committee members, as the case may be, entitled to vote with respect to the
subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as
a vote of such directors or committee members, as the case may be, and may be
stated as such in any certificate or document filed with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware or in any certificate delivered to any person. Such
consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board
or committee, as the case may be.
9.10 Invalid Provisions. If any part of these bylaws shall be held invalid
or inoperative for any reason, the remaining parts, so far as it is possible and
reasonable, shall remain valid and operative.
9.11 Mortgages, etc. With respect to any deed, deed of trust, mortgage, or
other instrument executed by the Corporation through its duly authorized officer
or officers, the attestation to such execution by the Secretary of the
Corporation shall not be necessary to constitute such deed, deed of trust,
mortgage, or other instrument a valid and binding obligation against the
Corporation unless the resolutions, if any, of the board of directors
authorizing such execution expressly state that such attestation is necessary,
or unless such attestation is required by law.
9.12 Headings. The headings used in these bylaws have been inserted for
administrative convenience only and do not constitute matter to be construed in
interpretation.
9.13 References. Whenever herein the singular number is used, the same
shall include the plural where appropriate, and words of any gender should
include each other gender where appropriate.
9.14 Amendments. These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed or new
bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the board of directors at any
regular meeting of the
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stockholders or the board of directors or at any special meeting of the
stockholders or the board of directors if notice of such alteration, amendment,
repeal, or adoption of new bylaws be contained in the notice of any such special
meeting of the stockholders.
The undersigned, the Secretary of the Corporation, hereby certifies that
the foregoing bylaws were adopted by consent of the sole director of the
Corporation as of October 2, 2000.
/s/ Hugh D. Simpson
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Hugh D. Simpson, Secretary
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