EX-3.2 3 d700849dex32.htm EX-3.2 EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

AKEBIA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

SECTION 1 - STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.1. Annual Meeting.

An annual meeting of the stockholders of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”) for the election of directors to succeed those whose term expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held at the place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware, on the date and at the time that the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) shall each year fix. Unless stated otherwise in the notice of the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, such annual meeting shall be at the principal office of the Corporation.

Section 1.2. Advance Notice of Proposals of Business and Nominations.

 

  (a) Business at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

 

  (1) Proposals for business (other than nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors, which must be made in compliance with and are governed exclusively by Section 1.2(b) hereto) to be transacted by the stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice with respect to such meeting (or any supplement thereto), (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or (iii) by any stockholder of record of the Corporation who (A) was a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice contemplated in Section 1.2(a), (B) is entitled to vote at such meeting and (C) has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.2. Except as otherwise required by law, clause (iii) of this Section 1.2(a)(1) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business (other than nominations and proposals properly brought pursuant to applicable provisions of federal law, including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended from time to time, the “Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder) before an annual meeting of stockholders.

 

  (2)

Except as otherwise required by law, for proposals (other than nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors, which must be made in compliance with and are governed exclusively by Section 1.2(b) hereto) to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of


  Section 1.2(a)(1), (i) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation with the information contemplated by Section 1.2(a)(3), and (ii) the business must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The notice requirements of this Section 1.2(a) shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Act and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting.

 

  (3)

To be timely for purposes of Section 1.2(a), a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a date not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the anniversary date of the prior year’s annual meeting or, if there was no annual meeting in the prior year or if the date of the current year’s annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the prior year’s annual meeting, on or before 10 days after the day on which the date of the current year’s annual meeting is first disclosed in a public announcement. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the delivery of such notice. Such notice from a stockholder must state (i) as to each proposal that the stockholder seeks to bring before the meeting, a brief description of such proposal, the reasons for making the proposal at the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment) and any material interest that the stockholder has in the proposal; and (ii) (A) the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice on whose behalf the proposal is made, (B) the class (and, if applicable, series) and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially or of record by the stockholder, (C) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class (or, if applicable, series) of shares of stock of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class (or, if applicable, series) of shares of stock of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of

 

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  capital stock of the Corporation or otherwise (each, a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of stock of the Corporation of the stockholder, (D) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder has a right to vote any securities of the Corporation, (E) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder is a general partner or beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a general partner, (F) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of the shares of stock of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, (G) any other information relating to such stockholder, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, (H) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business, (I) a certification as to whether or not the stockholder has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with the stockholder’s acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and the stockholder’s acts or omissions as a stockholder (or beneficial owner of securities) of the Corporation, and (J) whether the stockholder intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal. The information required to be included in a notice pursuant to this Section 1.2(a)(3) shall be provided as of the date of such notice. The information required to be included in a notice pursuant to this Section 1.2(a)(3) shall not include any ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is directed to prepare and submit the notice required by this Section 1.2(a)(3) on behalf of a beneficial owner of the shares held of record by such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who is not otherwise affiliated or associated with such beneficial owner.

 

  (4)

Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no business (other than nominations of persons for election to the

 

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  Board of Directors, which must be made in compliance with and are governed exclusively by Section 1(b) hereto) shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.2(a).

 

  (b) Nominations at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

 

  (1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice with respect to such meeting (or any supplement thereto), (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or (iii) by any stockholder of record of the Corporation who (A) was a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice contemplated in Section 1.2(b), (B) is entitled to vote at such meeting and (C) has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.2(b). Except as otherwise required by law, clause (iii) of this Section 1.2(b) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors before an annual meeting of stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law, for nominations to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 1.2(b)(1), the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation with the information contemplated by Section 1.2(b)(2).

 

  (2)

To be timely for purposes of Section 1.2(b), a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a date not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the anniversary date of the prior year’s annual meeting or, if there was no annual meeting in the prior year or if the date of the current year’s annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the prior year’s annual meeting, on or before 10 days after the day on which the date of the current year’s annual meeting is first disclosed in a public announcement. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the delivery of such notice. Such notice from a stockholder must state (i) as to each nominee that the stockholder proposes for election or reelection as a director, (A) all information relating to such nominee that would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of such nominee as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Act and such nominee’s written consent to serve as a director if elected, and (B) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary arrangements,

 

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  agreements or understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationship, if any, between or concerning such stockholder, or any of their respective affiliates or associates, on the one hand, and the proposed nominee or any of his or her affiliates or associates, on the other hand; and (ii) (A) the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice on whose behalf the nomination is made, (B) the class (and, if applicable, series) and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially or of record by the stockholder, (C) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class (or, if applicable, series) of shares of stock of the Corporation or a Derivative Instrument directly or indirectly owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of stock of the Corporation of the stockholder, (D) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder has a right to vote any securities of the Corporation, (E) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder is a general partner or beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a general partner, (F) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of the shares of stock of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, (G) any other information relating to such stockholder, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, (H) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such nomination, (I) a certification as to whether or not the stockholder has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with the stockholder’s acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and the stockholder’s acts or omissions as a stockholder (or beneficial owner of securities) of the Corporation, and (J) whether the stockholder intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such stockholder to be sufficient to elect such nominee

 

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  or nominees or otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such nomination. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of the proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of the nominee. The information required to be included in a notice pursuant to this Section 1.2(b)(2) shall be provided as of the date of such notice. The information required to be included in a notice pursuant to this Section 1.2(b)(2) shall not include any ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is directed to prepare and submit the notice required by this Section 1.2(b)(2) on behalf of a beneficial owner of the shares held of record by such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who is not otherwise affiliated or associated with such beneficial owner.

(c) Subject to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) and applicable law, only persons nominated in accordance with procedures stated in this Section 1.2(b) shall be eligible for election as and to serve as members of the Board of Directors and the only business that shall be conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders is the business that has been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.2(a). The chairman of the meeting shall have the power and the duty to determine whether a nomination or any proposal has been made according to the procedures stated in this Section 1.2 and, if any nomination or proposal does not comply with this Section 1.2, unless otherwise required by law, the nomination or proposal shall be disregarded.

(d) For purposes of this Section 1.2, “public announcement” means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or a comparable news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Act.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.2, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business or does not provide the information required by Section 1.2(a) or 1.2(b), including any required supplement thereto, such nomination may be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 1.2, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

 

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(f) Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Such nominations may be made (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or (2) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (A) is a stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 1.2(f) is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (C) complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 1.2(b). In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice required by paragraph (f) of this Section 1.2 shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(g) Any stockholder who submits a notice of proposal for business or nomination for election pursuant to this Section 1.2 is required to update and supplement the information disclosed in such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting of stockholders and as of the date that is 10 business days prior to such meeting of the stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the fifth business day after the record date for the meeting of stockholders (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date), and not later than the close of business on the eighth business day prior to the date for the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 business days prior to the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof).

(h) To be qualified to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation, a person must deliver (in the case of a person nominated by a stockholder in accordance with Section 1(b) or 1(f), in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under such sections) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being

 

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made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein and (iii) would be in compliance, and if elected as a director of the Corporation will comply, with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation. The Corporation may also require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve either as a director of the Corporation or as an independent director of the Corporation under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission and stock exchange rules and the Corporation’s publicly disclosed corporate governance guidelines, or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the qualifications and/or independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

(i) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of these bylaws, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in these bylaws; provided, however, that any references in these bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to any nomination or other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 1.2.

Section 1.3. Special Meetings; Notice.

Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Notice of every special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall state the purpose or purposes of such meeting. Except as otherwise required by law, the business conducted at a special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation shall be limited exclusively to the business set forth in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, and the individual or group calling such meeting shall have exclusive authority to determine the business included in such notice.

Section 1.4. Notice of Meetings.

Notice of the place, date and time of all meetings of stockholders of the Corporation, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed present and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of all special meetings of stockholders, the purpose or purposes of the meeting, shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date on which such meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting.

 

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The Corporation may postpone or cancel any previously called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 1.2(d)) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. When a previously called annual or special meeting is postponed to another time, date or place, notice of the place, date and time of the postponed meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed present and vote at such postponed meeting, shall be given in conformity with this Section 1.4 unless such meeting is postponed to a date that is not more than 60 days after the date that the initial notice of the meeting was provided in conformity with this Section 1.4.

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting or, if after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting in conformity herewith and such notice shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date for notice of such adjourned meeting. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that may have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 1.5. Quorum.

At any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to cast a majority of the total votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Stock”), present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that the presence of a larger number is required by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation. If a separate vote by one or more classes or series is required, the holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of the total votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the shares of the class 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. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another place, date and time.

Section 1.6. Organization.

The chairman of the Board or, in his or her absence, the person whom the Board of Directors designates or, in the absence of that person or the failure of the Board of Directors to designate a person, the President of the Corporation or, in his or her absence, the person chosen

 

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by the holders of a majority of the shares of capital stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation and act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, the secretary of the meeting shall be the person the chairman appoints.

Section 1.7. Conduct of Business.

The chairman of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation shall determine the order of business and the rules of procedure for the conduct of such meeting, including the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as he or she determines to be in order. The chairman shall have the power to adjourn the meeting to another place, date and time. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The chairman of the meeting of stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination or matter of business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such chairman should so determine, such chairman shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered.

Section 1.8. Proxies; Inspectors.

(a) At any meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by applicable law.

(b) Prior to a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the Corporation shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting may, and to the extent required by applicable law, shall, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before beginning the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the inspectors in the performance of the duties of inspectors. The inspectors shall have the duties prescribed by applicable law.

 

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Section 1.9. Voting.

Except as otherwise required by the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation or pursuant to any law or regulation applicable to the Corporation or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, all matters other than the election of directors shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast on the matter affirmatively or negatively. All elections of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast.

Section 1.10. Action by Written Consent.

Except as otherwise may be provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, stockholders may not take any action by written consent in lieu of a meeting of stockholders.

Section 1.11. Stock List.

A complete list of stockholders of the Corporation entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of such stockholder, shall be open to the examination of any such stockholder, for any purpose germane to a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for a period of at least 10 days before the meeting (i) 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 (ii) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the Corporation; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the 10th day before such meeting date. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open 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.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the sole evidence of the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at a meeting and the number of shares held by each stockholder.

SECTION 2 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2.1. General Powers and Qualifications of Directors.

The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authorities these bylaws expressly confer upon them, the Board of Directors may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by the DGCL or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these bylaws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation to be qualified for election or service as a director of the Corporation.

 

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Section 2.2. Number of Directors.

The number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be seven (7). Subject to the special rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the number of directors which shall constitute the Board of Directors may be increased or decreased exclusively by the Board of Directors from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office.

Section 2.3. Regular Meetings.

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the place, on the date and at the time as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of a regular meeting, the date of which has been so publicized, shall not be required.

Section 2.4. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman, President or by two or more directors then in office. Notice of the place, if any, date and time of each special meeting shall be given to each director either (a) by mailing written notice thereof not less than five days before the meeting, or (b) by telephone, facsimile or other means of electronic transmission providing notice thereof not less than twenty-four hours before the meeting. A meeting may be held at any time without notice if all the directors are present (except as otherwise provided by law) or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in writing, either before or after such meeting. Any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.5. Quorum.

At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

Section 2.6. Participation in Meetings By Conference Telephone or Other Communications Equipment.

Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all directors participating in the meeting can hear each other director, and such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 2.7. Conduct of Business.

At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in the order and manner that the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present, provided a quorum is present at the

 

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time such matter is acted upon, except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws or required by applicable law. The Board of Directors or any committee thereof may take action without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings, or electronic transmission or electronic transmissions, are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 2.8. Chairman of the Board.

The Board of Directors may elect or remove, by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office, a Chairman. Any Chairman must be a director of the Corporation and must not be an officer or employee of the Corporation. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and at all meetings of the stockholders and, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chairman shall have such powers and perform such duties that are commonly incident to the position of chairman of the board or as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or provided in these Bylaws.

Section 2.9. Compensation of Directors.

The Board of Directors shall be authorized to fix the compensation of directors. The directors of the Corporation shall be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be reimbursed a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, paid an annual retainer or paid other compensation, including equity compensation, as the Board of Directors determines. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of committees shall have their expenses, if any, of attendance of each meeting of such committee reimbursed and may be paid compensation for attending committee meetings or being a member of a committee.

SECTION 3 - COMMITTEES

Section 3.1. Committees of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors may designate committees of the Board of Directors, with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as it thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall, for those committees, appoint a director or directors to serve as the member or members, designating, if it desires, other directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee. Such designations and appointments shall be determined by the vote of a majority of directors present at a meeting such matters are acted upon in accordance with Section 2.7; provided, however, that the chairperson of each committee shall be appointed, and may only be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office.

 

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SECTION 4 - OFFICERS

Section 4.1. Generally.

The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a President and Chief Executive Officer, one or more Senior Vice Presidents, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, one or more Assistant Secretaries, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Treasurers, a Chief Financial Officer and other officers as may from time to time be appointed by the Board of Directors. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. The compensation of officers appointed by the Board of Directors shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof or by the officers as may be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 4.2. President.

Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Subject to the provisions of these bylaws and to the direction of the Board of Directors, he or she shall have the responsibility for the general management and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation and shall perform all duties and have all powers that are commonly incident to the office of chief executive or which are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors. He or she shall have the power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation that are authorized and shall have general supervision and direction of all of the other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation.

Section 4.3. Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents.

Each Senior Vice President and Vice President shall have the powers and duties delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors or the President. One Senior Vice President may be designated by the Board of Directors to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the event of the President’s absence or disability.

Section 4.4. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries.

The Secretary shall issue all authorized notices for, and shall keep minutes of, all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. He or she shall have charge of the corporate books and shall perform other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

Any Assistant Secretary shall perform such duties and possess such powers as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary may from time to time prescribe. In the event of the absence, inability or refusal to act of the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, (or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary.

Section 4.5. Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers.

The Chief Financial Officer shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of Directors or the President. The Chief Financial Officer, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall have

 

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the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform other duties commonly incident to his office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time. The President may direct the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer to assume and perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in the absence or disability of the Chief Financial Officer, and each Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly incident to his office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time.

Section 4.6. Delegation of Authority.

The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

Section 4.7. Removal.

The Board of Directors may remove any officer of the Corporation at any time, with or without cause.

Section 4.8. Action with Respect to Securities of Other Companies.

Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the President, or any officer of the Corporation authorized by the President, shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders or equityholders of, or with respect to any action of, stockholders or equityholders of any other entity in which the Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which the Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other entity.

SECTION 5 - STOCK

Section 5.1. Certificates of Stock.

Shares of the capital stock of the Corporation may be certificated or uncertificated, as provided in the DGCL. Stock certificates shall be signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, (i) the chairman of the Board (if any) or the vice-chairman of the Board (if any), or the President or a Senior Vice President, and (ii) the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Chief Financial Officer, certifying the number of shares owned by such stockholder. Any signatures on a certificate may be by facsimile.

Section 5.2. Transfers of Stock.

Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation (within or outside of the State of Delaware) or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation.

 

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Section 5.3. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.

In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, another may be issued in its place pursuant to regulations as the Board of Directors may establish concerning proof of the loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of a satisfactory bond or indemnity, if deemed appropriate.

Section 5.4. Regulations.

The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock of the Corporation shall be governed by other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

Section 5.5. Record Date.

(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of 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, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (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 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 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 determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

(b) 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 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 shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such other action. If no such 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.

SECTION 6 - INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

Section 6.1. Right to Indemnification and Advancement.

Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including involvement, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or

 

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threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of the Corporation or as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, administrator, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, judgments, fines, excise taxes, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, administrator, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 6.2 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section 6.1 shall be a contract right. In addition to the right to indemnification conferred herein, an indemnitee shall also have the right, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (an “advance of expenses”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the DGCL requires, an advance of expenses incurred by an indemnitee shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 6.1 or otherwise. The Corporation may also, by action of its Board of Directors, provide indemnification and advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation.

Section 6.2. Procedure for Indemnification.

Any indemnification of a director or officer of the Corporation or advance of expenses (including attorneys’ fees, costs and charges) under this Section 6.2 shall be made promptly. If a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 6 is not paid in full within 60 days after the Corporation has received a written request for indemnity, or a claim for the advancement of expenses is not paid in full within 30 days after the Corporation has received a statement or statements requesting such amounts to be advanced, the indemnitee shall thereupon (but not before) be entitled to file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification or advancement of expense, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be paid by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advance of expenses where the undertaking required pursuant to Section 6.1, if any, has been tendered to the

 

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Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of such defense shall be on the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct. The procedure for indemnification of other employees and agents for whom indemnification and advancement of expenses is provided pursuant to Section 6.1 shall be the same procedure set forth in this Section 6.2 for directors or officers, unless otherwise set forth in the action of the Board of Directors providing indemnification and advancement of expenses for such employee or agent.

Section 6.3. Insurance.

The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and 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 or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss 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 such person against such expenses, liability or loss under the DGCL.

Section 6.4. Service for Subsidiaries.

Any person serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise, at least 50% of whose equity interests are owned by the Corporation (a “subsidiary” for this Section 6) shall be conclusively presumed to be serving in such capacity at the request of the Corporation.

Section 6.5. Reliance.

Persons who after the date of the adoption of this provision become or remain directors or officers of the Corporation or who, while a director or officer of the Corporation, become or remain a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary, shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnity, advance of expenses and other rights contained in this Section 6 in entering into or continuing such service.

Section 6.6. Non-Exclusivity of Rights; Continuation of Rights to Indemnification.

The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Section 6 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under the Certificate of Incorporation or under any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. All rights to indemnification under this Section 6 shall be

 

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deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director or officer of the Corporation who serves or served in such capacity at any time while this Section 6 is in effect. Any repeal or modification of this Section 6 or any repeal or modification of relevant provisions of the DGCL or any other applicable laws shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses of such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to any proceeding arising out of, or relating to, any actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to the final adoption of such repeal or modification.

Section 6.7. Merger or Consolidation.

For purposes of this Section 6, references to the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Section 6 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

Section 6.8. Savings Clause.

If this Section 6 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify and advance expenses to each person entitled to indemnification under Section 6.1 as to all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such person and for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is available to such person pursuant to this Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 6 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

SECTION 7 - NOTICES

Section 7.1. Notices.

Except as otherwise provided herein or permitted by applicable law, notices to directors and stockholders shall be in writing and delivered personally, electronically or mailed to the directors or stockholders at their addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. If mailed, notice to a stockholder of the Corporation shall be deemed given when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, directed to a stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders of the Corporation may be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL.

 

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Section 7.2. Waivers.

A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder or director, or a waiver by electronic transmission by such person or entity, whether given before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such person or entity. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in the waiver. Attendance at any meeting shall constitute waiver of notice except attendance for the sole purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

SECTION 8 - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1. Corporate Seal.

The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary of the Corporation. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer or the Chief Financial Officer.

Section 8.2. Reliance upon Books, Reports, and Records.

Each director and each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books and records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers, agents or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person or entity as to matters which such director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s or entity’s professional or expert competence and that has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 8.3. Fiscal Year.

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

Section 8.4. Time Periods.

In applying any provision of these bylaws that requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days before an event or that an act be done during a specified number of days before an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

SECTION 9 - AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL.

 

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