EX-3.4 4 a2238441zex-3_4.htm EX-3.4

Exhibit 3.4

 

NEXTCURE, INC.

 

BYLAWS

 

Amended

 

as of

 

April 12, 2019

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

1.

OFFICES

1

 

1.1

Registered Office

1

 

1.2

Other Offices

1

 

 

 

2.

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

1

 

2.1

Place of Meetings

1

 

2.2

Annual Meetings

1

 

2.3

Special Meetings

1

 

2.4

Notice of Meetings

2

 

2.5

Waivers of Notice

2

 

2.6

Business at Special Meetings

2

 

2.7

List of Stockholders

2

 

2.8

Quorum at Meetings

3

 

2.9

Voting and Proxies

3

 

2.10

Required Vote

4

 

2.11

Action Without a Meeting

4

 

 

 

3.

DIRECTORS

5

 

3.1

Powers

5

 

3.2

Number and Election

5

 

3.3

Nomination of Directors

5

 

3.4

Vacancies

5

 

3.5

Meetings

6

 

 

3.5.1

Regular Meetings

6

 

 

3.5.2

Special Meetings

6

 

 

3.5.3

Telephone Meetings

6

 

 

3.5.4

Action Without Meeting

6

 

 

3.5.5

Waiver of Notice of Meeting

6

 

3.6

Quorum and Vote at Meetings

7

 

3.7

Committees of Directors

7

 

3.8

Compensation of Directors

8

 

 

 

4.

OFFICERS

8

 

4.1

Positions

8

 

4.2

Chairperson

8

 

4.3

President

8

 

4.4

Secretary

8

 

4.5

Treasurer

9

 

4.6

Term of Office

9

 

4.7

Compensation

9

 

4.8

Fidelity Bonds

9

 


 

5.

CAPITAL STOCK

9

 

5.1

Certificates of Stock; Uncertificated Shares

9

 

5.2

Lost Certificates

10

 

5.3

Record Date

10

 

 

5.3.1

Actions by Stockholders

10

 

 

5.3.2

Payments

11

 

5.4

Stockholders of Record

11

 

 

 

6.

INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE

11

 

6.1

Authorization of Indemnification

11

 

6.2

Right of Claimant to Bring Action Against the Corporation

12

 

6.3

Non-exclusivity

12

 

6.4

Survival of Indemnification

12

 

6.5

Insurance

13

 

 

 

7.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

13

 

7.1

Inspection of Books and Records

13

 

7.2

Dividends

13

 

7.3

Reserves

13

 

7.4

Execution of Instruments

13

 

7.5

Fiscal Year

14

 

7.6

Seal

14

 

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BYLAWS

 

OF

 

NEXTCURE, INC.

 

1.                                      OFFICES

 

1.1                               Registered Office

 

The initial registered office of the Corporation shall be located at Corporation Trust Center, 1209 North Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, Delaware, County of New Castle, and the initial registered agent of the Corporation at such address shall be The Corporation Trust Company.

 

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 may be necessary or useful in connection with the business of the Corporation.

 

2.                                      MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

2.1                               Place of Meetings

 

All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such place as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson or the President.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held by means of remote communication.

 

2.2                               Annual Meetings

 

Unless directors are elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting, the Corporation shall hold annual meetings of stockholders, commencing with the year 2016, on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson or the President, at which stockholders shall elect a Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.  If a written consent electing directors is less than unanimous, such action by written consent may be in lieu of holding an annual meeting only if all of the directorships to which directors could be elected at an annual meeting held at the effective time of such action are vacant and are filled by such action.

 

2.3                               Special Meetings

 

Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson or the President.

 


 

2.4                               Notice of Meetings

 

Notice of any meeting of stockholders, stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and (if it is a special meeting) the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting (except to the extent that such notice is waived or is not required as provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware General Corporation Law”) or these Bylaws).  Such notice shall be given in accordance with, and shall be deemed effective as set forth in, Sections 222 and 232 (or any successor section or sections) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

2.5                               Waivers of Notice

 

Whenever the giving of any notice is required by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a written waiver thereof signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, or a waiver thereof by electronic transmission by the person entitled to said notice, delivered to the Corporation, whether before or after the event as to which such notice is required, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.  Attendance of a stockholder at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice (a) of such meeting, except when the stockholder at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting, and (b) (if it is a special meeting) of consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the stockholder objects to considering the matter at the beginning of the meeting.

 

2.6                               Business at Special Meetings

 

Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice (except to the extent that such notice is waived or is not required as provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law or these Bylaws).

 

2.7                               List of Stockholders

 

After the record date for a meeting of stockholders has been fixed, at least ten days before such meeting, the officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall make a list of all stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder (but not the electronic mail address or other electronic contact information, unless the Board of Directors so directs) and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting:  (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation.  If the meeting is to be held at a place, then such list shall also, for the duration of the meeting, be produced and kept open to the examination of any stockholder who is present at the time and place of the meeting.  If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then such list shall also be open

 

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to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

 

2.8                               Quorum at Meetings

 

Stockholders may take action on a matter at a meeting only if a quorum exists with respect to that matter.  Except as otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting, and who are present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business.  Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.  Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting (other than solely to object (a) to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting, or (b) (if it is a special meeting) to considering a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice), it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a new record date is or must be set for the adjourned meeting.  The holders of a majority of the voting shares represented at a meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn such meeting from time to time.

 

2.9                               Voting and Proxies

 

Unless otherwise provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law or in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the other provisions of these Bylaws, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote on each matter, in person or by proxy, for each share of the Corporation’s capital stock that has voting power with respect to such matter and that is held by such stockholder.  No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.  A duly executed appointment of proxy shall be irrevocable if the appointment form states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.  If authorized by the Board of Directors, and subject to such guidelines as the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication, participate in a meeting of stockholders and be deemed present in person and vote at such meeting whether such meeting is held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (a) the Corporation implements reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (b) the Corporation implements reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (c) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action is maintained by the Corporation.

 

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2.10                        Required Vote

 

When a quorum is present at any meeting of stockholders, all matters shall be determined, adopted and approved by the affirmative vote (which need not be by ballot) of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote with respect to the matter, unless the proposed action is one upon which, by express provision of statutes or of the Certificate of Incorporation, a different vote is specified and required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control with respect to that vote on that matter.  If the Certificate of Incorporation provides for more or less than one vote for any share, on any matter, every reference in these Bylaws to a majority or other proportion of stock, voting stock or shares shall refer to a majority or other proportion of the votes of such stock, voting stock or shares.  Where a separate vote by a class, classes or series is required, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of such class, classes or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class or series.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

 

2.11                        Action Without a Meeting

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken at a stockholders’ meeting may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if the action is taken by persons who would be entitled to vote at a meeting and who hold shares having voting power equal to not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were present and voted.  The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by the stockholders entitled to take action without a meeting, and delivered to the Corporation in the manner prescribed by the Delaware General Corporation Law for inclusion in the minute book.  No consent shall be effective to take the corporate action specified unless the number of consents required to take such action are delivered to the Corporation within 60 days of the delivery of the earliest-dated consent.  A telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission consenting to such action and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this Section 2.11, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine (a) that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (b) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission.  The date on which such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was signed.  Consent given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered upon electronic receipt of such transmission by the Corporation.  Written notice of the action taken shall be given in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law to all stockholders who do not participate in taking the action who would have been entitled to notice if such action had been taken at a meeting having a record date on the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.

 

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3.                                      DIRECTORS

 

3.1                               Powers

 

The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things, subject to any limitation set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or as otherwise may be provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

3.2                               Number and Election

 

The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of one director and a maximum of eleven directors.  Following the adoption of these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall initially consist of eight directors.  Thereafter, within the limits above specified and subject to any limitations set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, the number of directors shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.  No decrease in the authorized number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

3.3                               Nomination of Directors

 

Except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors shall nominate candidates to stand for election as directors, and other candidates also may be nominated by any Corporation stockholder, provided that such other nominations are submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation no later than 90 days prior to the meeting of stockholders at which such directors are to be elected, together with the identity of the nominator and the number of shares of the Corporation’s stock owned, directly or indirectly, by the nominator.  Except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or as provided in Section 3.4 hereof, the directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders, and each director elected shall hold office until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until the director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  Directors need not be stockholders.

 

3.4                               Vacancies

 

Except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may be filled by the stockholders, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although fewer than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.  Except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, whenever the holders of any class, classes or series of stock are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class, classes or series may be filled by the stockholders of such class, classes or series, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors elected by such class, classes or series then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected.  Each director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of directors of the class or series to which such director was appointed, and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified, or until the director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  Except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation and in addition to the rights of stockholders to fill vacancies in the Board of Directors as set forth in this Section 3.4, in the event that one or more directors resign from the

 

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Board, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office (or in the case of a director elected by holders of any class, classes or series of stock, a majority of the directors then in office elected by such class, classes or series then in office), including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of directors, and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified, or until the director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

3.5                               Meetings

 

3.5.1                     Regular Meetings

 

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

3.5.2                     Special Meetings

 

Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chairperson or President or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office on one day’s notice to each director, either personally or by telephone, express delivery service (so that the scheduled delivery date of the notice is at least one day in advance of the meeting), telegram, facsimile transmission, electronic mail (effective when directed to an electronic mail address of the director), or other electronic transmission, as defined in Section 232(c) (or any successor section) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (effective when directed to the director), and on five days’ notice by mail (effective upon deposit of such notice in the mail).  The notice need not describe the purpose of a special meeting.

 

3.5.3                     Telephone Meetings

 

Members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board by any communication by means of which all participating directors can simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.  A director participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

 

3.5.4                     Action Without Meeting

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the Board.  The action must be evidenced by one or more consents in writing or by electronic transmission describing the action taken, signed by each director, and delivered to the Corporation for inclusion in the minute book.

 

3.5.5                     Waiver of Notice of Meeting

 

A director may waive any notice required by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws before or after the date and time stated in the notice.  Except as set forth below, the waiver must be in writing, signed by the director entitled to the notice, or made by electronic transmission by the director entitled to the notice, and delivered to the Corporation

 

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for inclusion in the minute book.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a director’s attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to the director of the meeting unless the director at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

 

3.6                               Quorum and Vote at Meetings

 

Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board, a quorum of the Board of Directors consists of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office.  The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws.

 

3.7                               Committees of Directors

 

The Board of Directors, by a unanimous vote or written consent, may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more directors.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  If a member of a committee shall be absent from any meeting, or disqualified from voting thereat, the remaining member or members present and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may, by unanimous vote, appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified member.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the Delaware General Corporation Law to be submitted to stockholders for approval or adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation; and unless the resolution designating the committee, these bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation expressly so provide, no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend, to authorize the issuance of stock, or to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.  Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.  Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors, when required.  Unless otherwise specified in the Board resolution appointing the committee, all provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and these Bylaws relating to meetings, action without meetings, notice (and waiver thereof), and quorum and voting requirements of the Board of Directors apply, as well, to such committees and their members.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or the resolution of the Board of Directors designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.

 

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3.8                               Compensation of Directors

 

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.  No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

4.                                      OFFICERS

 

4.1                               Positions

 

The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall include a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors (or an officer authorized by the Board of Directors) from time to time may appoint, including a Chairperson.  Each such officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be set forth below and such other powers and duties as from time to time may be specified by the Board of Directors or by any officer(s) authorized by the Board of Directors to prescribe the duties of such other officers.  Any number of offices may be held by the same person, except that in no event shall the President and the Secretary be the same person.  As set forth below, each of the Chairperson and President may execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts under the seal of the Corporation, if required, 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.

 

4.2                               Chairperson

 

The Chairperson, if designated, shall (when present) preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and stockholders and shall ensure that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors and stockholders are carried into effect.  The Chairperson may execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts, under the seal of the Corporation, if required, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.

 

4.3                               President

 

The President shall be the chief executive officer and chief operating officer of the Corporation and shall have full responsibility and authority for management of the operations of the Corporation.  The President may execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts, under the seal of the Corporation, if required, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.

 

4.4                               Secretary

 

The Secretary shall have responsibility for preparation of minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders and for authenticating records of the Corporation.  The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors.  The Secretary may also attest all instruments signed

 

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by any other officer of the Corporation.  The Secretary shall have such other powers as are commonly incident to the office of the Secretary, or as the Board of Directors or the President may from time to time prescribe.

 

4.5                               Treasurer

 

The Treasurer shall have responsibility for the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall see to it that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the Corporation.  The Treasurer shall render to the Chairperson (if designated), the President, and the Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all financial transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

 

4.6                               Term of Office

 

The officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify or until their earlier resignation or removal.  Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation.  Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

4.7                               Compensation

 

The compensation of officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or by any officer(s) authorized by the Board of Directors to prescribe the compensation of such other officers.

 

4.8                               Fidelity Bonds

 

The Corporation may secure the fidelity of any or all of its officers or agents by bond or otherwise.

 

5.                                      CAPITAL STOCK

 

5.1                               Certificates of Stock; Uncertificated Shares

 

The shares of the Corporation may be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares.  Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation.  Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate (representing the number of shares registered in certificate form) signed in the name of the Corporation by the Chairperson or President and by the Secretary or Treasurer of the Corporation.  Any or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar whose signature or facsimile signature appears on a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

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5.2                               Lost Certificates

 

The Board of Directors, Chairperson, President or Secretary may direct a new certificate of stock to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation and alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming that the certificate of stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed.  When authorizing such issuance of a new certificate, the Board or any such officer may, as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such owner’s legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board or such officer shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond or indemnity, in such sum or on such terms and conditions as the Board or such officer may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or on account of the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

5.3                               Record Date

 

5.3.1                     Actions by Stockholders

 

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, 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 record date shall not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting.  If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, 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.  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 determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote therewith at the adjourned meeting.

 

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 record 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 the Delaware General Corporation Law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be

 

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taken is delivered to the Corporation in the manner prescribed by Section 213(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, 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.

 

5.3.2                     Payments

 

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders 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, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action.  If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

5.4                               Stockholders of Record

 

The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, to receive notifications, to vote as such owner, and to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner.  The Corporation 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 may be provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

6.                                      INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE

 

6.1                               Authorization of Indemnification

 

To the extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall fully indemnify 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 such person 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, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding (a “Mandatory Claim”).  To the extent permitted by law, the Corporation may fully indemnify 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 such person is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding (a “Permissive Claim”).  The Corporation

 

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may advance expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director or officer in defending any action, suit, or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon the receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to indemnification (this, also, a “Permissive Claim”).  The Corporation may advance expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an employee or agent in defending any action, suit, or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board deems appropriate.

 

6.2                               Right of Claimant to Bring Action Against the Corporation

 

If a Mandatory Claim under Section 6.1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within 60 days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring an action against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the Mandatory Claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such action.  It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in connection with any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed or is otherwise not entitled to indemnification under Section 6.1, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation.  The failure of the Corporation (in the manner provided under the Delaware General Corporation Law) to have made a determination prior to or after the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law shall not be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.  Unless otherwise specified in an agreement with the claimant, an actual determination by the Corporation (in the manner provided under the Delaware General Corporation Law) after the commencement of such action that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct shall not be a defense to the action, but shall create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

6.3                               Non-exclusivity

 

The rights to indemnification and advance payment of expenses provided by Section 6.1 hereof shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification and advance payment of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

 

6.4                               Survival of Indemnification

 

The indemnification and advance payment of expenses and rights thereto provided by, or granted pursuant to, Section 6.1 hereof shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee,

 

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partner or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the personal representatives, heirs, executors and administrators of such person.

 

6.5                               Insurance

 

The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, partner (limited or general) or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person or incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, and related expenses, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

7.                                      GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

7.1                               Inspection of Books and Records

 

Any stockholder, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose, and to make copies or extracts from:  (a) the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records; and (b) other documents as required by law.  A proper purpose shall mean a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder.  In every instance where an attorney or other agent shall be the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing which authorizes the attorney or other agent to so act on behalf of the stockholder.  The demand under oath shall be directed to the Corporation at its registered office or at its principal place of business.

 

7.2                               Dividends

 

The Board of Directors may declare dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

7.3                               Reserves

 

The directors of the Corporation may set apart, out of the funds of the Corporation available for dividends, a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve.

 

7.4                               Execution of Instruments

 

All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, and promissory notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

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7.5                               Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

7.6                               Seal

 

The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Board of Directors shall approve.  The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced.

 

*                                         *                                         *                                         *

 

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