EXHIBIT 3.1
Published on November 10, 2005
ARTICLES
OF AMENDMENT
to
AMENDED
AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
designating
the preferences, limitations and relative rights of
CLASS
C
PREFERRED SHARES
of
TANGER
FACTORY OUTLET CENTERS, INC.
(Pursuant
to Section 55-6-02 of the
North
Carolina Business Corporation Act)
The
undersigned corporation hereby submits these Articles of Amendment to the
Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina for the purpose of amending
its articles of incorporation to determine and fix the preferences, limitations
and relative rights of its Class C Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share
(“Class C Preferred Shares”):
1. The
name
of the corporation is Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (hereinafter called
the “Corporation”).
2. Pursuant
to the authority Section 55-6-02 of the Business Corporation Act and the
provisions of Article II. Section D of the Corporation’s Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation as heretofore amended (the “Articles of
Incorporation”), the following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation was
duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation at a meeting duly
called and held on October 20, 2005:
The
following is added as a new Paragraph J of Article II of the Corporation’s
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation:
J. Class
C Preferred Shares.
The
8,000,000 Class C Preferred Shares with a par value of $0.01 per share that
the
Corporation is authorized to issue pursuant to Paragraph A of this Article
II
shall have the following preferences, limitations and relative rights:
1.
Certain
Definitions.
Unless
the context otherwise requires, for purposes of this Paragraph J of this Article
II the following terms shall have the meanings herein specified (with terms
defined in the singular having comparable meanings when used in the
plural).
“AMEX”
shall
mean the American Stock Exchange.
“Beneficial
Ownership”
shall
mean ownership of Class C Preferred Shares by a Person who is or would be
treated as an owner of such Class C Preferred Shares either actually or
constructively through the application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified
by Sections 856(h)(1)(B) and 856(h)(3) of the Code. The terms “Beneficial
Owner,”“Beneficially
Owns”
and
“Beneficially
Owned”
shall
have the correlative meanings.
“Board
of Directors”
shall
mean the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
“Business
Day”
shall
mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday
nor a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or
required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
“Charitable
Beneficiary”
shall
mean one or more beneficiaries of a Trust, as determined pursuant to
subparagraph J(10)(b)(vi), each of which shall be an organization described
in
Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 170(c)(2) and 501(c)(3) of the Code.
“Code”
shall
mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Committee”
shall
mean any committee authorized by the Board of Directors to perform any of its
responsibilities with respect to the Class C Preferred Shares.
“Common
Shares”
shall
mean the authorized Common Shares, par value $.01 per share, of the
Corporation.
“Constructive
Ownership”
shall
mean ownership of Class C Preferred Shares by a Person who is or would be
treated as an owner of such Class C Preferred Shares either actually or
constructively through the application of Section 318 of the Code, as modified
by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code. The terms “Constructive
Owner,”“Constructively
Owns”
and
“Constructively
Owned”
shall
have the correlative meanings.
“Dividend
Payment Date”
shall
mean the 15th day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next Business
Day
thereafter) of each February, May, August, and November, commencing on February
15, 2006.
“Dividend
Period”
shall
mean the respective periods commencing on and including February 2, May 2,
August 2 and November 2 of each year and ending on and including the day
preceding the first day of the next succeeding Dividend Period (other than
the
initial Dividend Period, which shall commence on (and include) the date of
original issue and end on and include February 15, 2006, and other than the
Dividend Period during which any shares of Class C Preferred Shares shall be
redeemed pursuant to subparagraph J(5), which shall end on and include the
call
date with respect to the shares of Class C Preferred Shares being
redeemed).
“Dividend
Record Date”
shall
mean the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend falls,
or such other date as designated by our Board of Directors for the payment
of
dividends that is not more than 30 days nor less than 10 days prior to the
Dividend Payment Date.
“Excess
Class C Preferred Shares”
shall
have the meaning set forth in subparagraph J(10)(i) hereof.
“Exchange
Act”
shall
mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
“Individual”
means
an individual, a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the
Code,
a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for
the
purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, or a private foundation within
the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, provided that a trust described
in
Section 401(a) of the Code and exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the
Code
shall be excluded from this definition.
“IRS”
shall
mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Market
Price”
shall
mean the last reported sales price of the Class C Preferred Shares reported
on
the NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date, or if
the
Class C Preferred Shares are not then traded on the NYSE, the last reported
sales price of the Class C Preferred Shares on the trading day immediately
preceding the relevant date as reported on any exchange or quotation system
over
which the Class C Preferred Shares may be traded, or if the Class C Preferred
Shares are not then traded over any exchange or quotation system, then the
market price of the Class C Preferred Shares on the relevant date as determined
in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
“NASDAQ”
shall
mean the National Association of Securities Dealer Automated Quotations
System.
“Non-Voidable
Event”
shall
have the meaning set forth in subparagraph J(11)(b).
“NYSE”
shall
mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
“Parity
Preferred”
shall
have the meaning set forth in subparagraph J(7) hereof.
“Preferred
Directors”
shall
have the meaning set forth in subparagraph J(7) hereof.
“Preferred
Dividend Default”
shall
have the meaning set forth in subparagraph J(7) hereof.
“Person”
shall
mean an individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust (including a trust
qualified under Section 401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust
permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described
in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the
meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity;
but
does not include an underwriter acting in a capacity as such in a public
offering of the Class C Preferred Shares provided that the ownership of Class
C
Preferred Shares by such underwriter would not result in the Corporation being
“closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or would
otherwise result in the Corporation failing to qualify as a REIT.
“Preferred
Share Ownership Limit”
shall
mean 9.8% (by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of
the
outstanding shares of Class C Preferred Shares of the Corporation. The number
and value of shares of outstanding Class C Preferred Shares of the Corporation
shall be determined by the Board of Directors in good faith, which determination
shall be conclusive for all purposes hereof.
“Purported
Beneficial Transferee”
shall
mean, with respect to any purported Transfer which results in a transfer to
a
Trust, as provided in subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii), the Purported Record
Transferee, unless the Purported Record Transferee would have acquired or owned
Class C Preferred Shares for another Person who is the beneficial transferee
or
beneficial owner of such shares, in which case the Purported Beneficial
Transferee shall be such Person.
“Purported
Record Transferee”
shall
mean, with respect to any purported Transfer (or other event) which results
in a
transfer to a Trust, as provided in subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii): the record holder
of the Class C Preferred Shares if such Transfer had been valid under
subparagraph J(10)(a)(i).
“Record
Date”
shall
mean the date designated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation at the
time a dividend is declared; provided, however, that such Record Date shall
be
the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable Dividend Payment
Date falls or such other date designated by the Board of Directors for the
payment of dividends that is not more than thirty (30) days nor less than ten
(10) days prior to such Dividend Payment Date.
“Restriction
Termination Date”
shall
mean the first day on which the Board of Directors of the Corporation determines
that it is no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to attempt to,
or
continue to, qualify as a REIT.
“Transfer”
shall
mean any sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition of Class
C Preferred Shares, including (i) the granting of any option or entering into
any agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition of Class C Preferred
Shares or (ii) the sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of any
securities (or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Class C Preferred
Shares), whether voluntary or involuntary, whether of record or beneficially
or
Beneficially or Constructively (including but not limited to transfers of
interests in other entities which results in changes in Beneficial or
Constructive Ownership of Class C Preferred Shares), and whether by operation
of
law or otherwise.
“Transfer
Agent”
shall
mean Computershare Investor Services, or such other agent or agents of the
Corporation as may be designated by the Board of Directors or their designee
as
the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Class C
Preferred Shares.
“Trust”
shall
mean any trust created pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii).
2. Dividends
and Distributions.
(a)
Subject to the preferential rights of holders or any class or series of our
equity securities ranking senior to the Class C Preferred Shares as to the
payment of dividends, holders of Class C Preferred Shares will be entitled
to
receive, when, if and as authorized by the Board of Directors, out of funds
legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative quarterly cash
dividends at the rate of 7.5% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation
preference, equivalent to $ 1.8750 per annum per share. However, during any
period of time that both (i) the Class C Preferred Shares are not listed on
the
NYSE or the AMEX, or quoted on the NASDAQ, and (ii) the Corporation is not
subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, but Class C Preferred
Shares are outstanding, the Corporation will increase the cumulative cash
distributions payable on the Class C Preferred Shares to a rate of 8.5% per
year
of the $25.00 liquidation preference (equivalent to $ 2.1250 per year per
share). Dividends on the Class C Preferred Shares will accrue and be cumulative
from (and including) the date of original issue and will be payable quarterly
when, if and as authorized by our Board of Directors in equal amounts in arrears
on each Dividend Payment Date; provided, however, that if any Dividend Payment
Date is not a Business Day, then the dividend which would have otherwise been
payable on such Dividend Payment Date may be paid on the next succeeding
Business Day with the same force and effect as if paid on such Dividend Payment
Date, and no interest or additional dividends or other sums shall accrue on
the
amount so payable from such Class C Preferred Shares to such next succeeding
Business Day. The amount of any dividend payable on the Class C Preferred Shares
for each full Dividend Period shall be computed by dividing the annual dividend
by four (4). The amount of any dividend payable on the Class C Preferred Shares
for any partial Dividend Period (including the initial dividend) shall be
prorated and computed on the basis of a 360−day year consisting of twelve 30−day
months. The first dividend on the Class C Preferred Shares shall be paid on
February 15, 2006, will be for more than a full quarter and will reflect
dividends accumulated from the date of original issuance through, and including
February 1, 2006. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear
in the stockholder records of the Corporation at the close of business on the
applicable Dividend Record Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, each outstanding Class C Preferred Share will be entitled
to
receive a dividend with respect to any Dividend Record Date equal to the
dividend paid with respect to each other Class C Preferred Share that is
outstanding on such date.
(b)
No
dividends on the Class C Preferred Shares shall be declared by the Board of
Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Corporation at such time
as
the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Corporation, including any
agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment
or
setting aside of funds for payment or provides that such declaration, payment
or
setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default
thereunder, or if such declaration, or payment or setting apart for payment
shall be restricted or prohibited by law
(c)
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, dividends on the
Class C Preferred Shares shall accrue whether or not any agreement the
Corporation is party to prohibits it, whether or not the Corporation has
earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment
of
such dividends, and whether or not such dividends are declared. Accrued but
unpaid dividends on the Class C Preferred Shares will not bear interest, and
holders of Class C Preferred Shares will not be entitled to any dividends in
excess of full cumulative dividends as described above. All dividends on Class
C
Preferred Shares, including any capital gain dividends, will be credited to
the
previously accrued dividends on the Class C Preferred Shares. The Corporation
will credit any dividend paid on Class C Preferred Shares first to the earliest
accrued and unpaid dividend due.
(d)
Except as provided in subparagraph J(2)(e) below, no dividends shall be declared
or paid or set apart for payment and no other distribution of cash or other
property may be declared or made, directly or indirectly, on or with respect
to
any Common Shares or shares of any other class or series of capital stock of
the
Corporation ranking, as to dividends or the distribution of assets upon the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, on
a
parity with or junior to the Class C Preferred Shares unless full cumulative
dividends on our Class C Preferred Shares for past Dividend Periods and the
then
current Dividend Period shall have been or contemporaneously are (i) declared
and paid in cash or (ii) declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
in cash is set apart for such payment. This restriction will not limit the
Corporation’s ability to redeem or acquire shares under incentive, benefit or
stock purchase plans for officers, directors or employees or others performing
or providing similar services or for the purposes of enforcing restrictions
upon
ownership and transfer of equity securities contained herein to preserve the
Corporation’s status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
(e)
When
dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is
not
so set apart) upon the Class C Preferred Shares and the shares of any other
class or series of capital stock ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with
the
Class C Preferred Shares, all dividends declared upon the Class C Preferred
Shares and each such other class or series of capital stock ranking, as to
dividends, on a parity with the Class C Preferred Shares shall be declared
pro
rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of Class C Preferred
Shares and such other class or series of capital stock shall in all cases bear
to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the Class
C
Preferred Shares and such other class or series of capital stock (which shall
not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends on such other class
or
series of capital stock for prior dividend periods if such other class or series
of capital stock does not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other.
(f)
Holders of Class C Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to any dividend,
whether payable in cash, property or shares of stock, in excess of full
cumulative dividends on the Class C Preferred Shares as provided herein. Any
dividend payment made on the Class C Preferred Shares shall first be credited
against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividends due with respect to such
shares which remains payable. Accrued but unpaid distributions on the Class
C
Preferred Shares will accumulate as of the Dividend Payment Date on which they
first become payable.
(g)
If,
for any taxable year, the Corporation elects to designate as “capital gains” (as
defined in Section 857 of the Code or any successor revenue code or section)
any
portion (the “Capital Gains Amount”) of the total dividends (as determined for
United States federal income tax purposes) paid or made available for such
taxable year to holders of all classes and series of capital stock, then the
portion of the capital gains amount that shall be allocable to holders of Class
C Preferred Shares shall be in the same proportion that the total of the
dividends (as determined for federal income tax purposes) paid or made available
to the holders of Class C Preferred Shares for such taxable year bears to the
total of all such dividends for the year for such taxable year made with respect
to all classes or series of capital stock outstanding.
3. Distributions
Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
Upon
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Corporation, before any distribution or payment shall be made
to
holders of Common Shares or any other class or series of capital stock of the
Corporation ranking, as to liquidation rights, junior to the Class C Preferred
Shares (as to the distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution
or
winding up of the Corporation), and subject to the preferential rights of the
holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation
ranking senior to the Class C Preferred Shares, the holders of Class C Preferred
Shares shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation legally
available for distribution to its shareholders a liquidation preference of
$25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends
to
the date of payment (whether or not declared) through and including the date
of
the payment. Written notice of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding
up
of the Corporation, stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or
places where, the amounts distributable in such circumstances shall be payable,
shall be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder
of
Class C Preferred Shares at the respective addresses of such holders as the
same
shall appear on the stock transfer records of the Corporation. After payment
of
the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled,
the
holders of Class C Preferred Shares will have no right or claim to any of the
remaining assets of the Corporation. The consolidation or merger of the
Corporation with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale,
lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of the property or
business of the Corporation or the statutory share exchange of shares of Common
Stock of the Corporation, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation. In the event that,
upon such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
the
available assets of the Corporation are insufficient to pay the amount of the
liquidating distributions on all outstanding Class C Preferred Shares and the
corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of
capital stock of the Corporation ranking, as to liquidation rights, on a parity
with the Class C Preferred Shares in the distribution of assets, then the
holders of the Class C Preferred Shares and each such other class or series
of
shares of capital stock ranking, as to liquidation rights, on a parity with
the
Class C Preferred Shares shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets
in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would
otherwise be respectively entitled (including, if applicable, accrued and unpaid
dividends).
4. Redemption
by the Holders.
Class
C
Preferred Shares are not redeemable at any time at the options of the holders
thereof.
5. Redemption
by the Corporation.
(a)
Class
C Preferred Shares shall not be redeemable prior to November 14, 2010, except
to
preserve the status of the Corporation as a REIT for United States federal
income tax purposes or in accordance with Section 6 hereof. In addition, the
Class C Preferred Shares shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10
pursuant to which Class C Preferred Shares owned by a shareholder in excess
of
the Preferred Share Ownership Limit shall automatically be transferred to a
Trust for the exclusive benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary.
(b)
On or
after November 14, 2010, the Corporation, at its option upon not less than
30
nor more than 60 days’ written notice, may redeem the Class C Preferred Shares,
in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption
price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or
not
earned or authorized) through to and including the date fixed for redemption,
without interest, to the extent the Corporation has funds legally available
therefor. If fewer than all of the outstanding Class C Preferred Shares are
to
be redeemed, the Class C Preferred Shares to be redeemed shall be redeemed
pro
rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional shares),
by
lot or by any other equitable method determined by the Corporation that will
not
result in a violation of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit. If redemption
is
to be by lot and, as a result, any holder of Class C Preferred Shares would
have
actual ownership, Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership (as defined
in
subparagraph J(1)) in excess of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit (as defined
in subparagraph J(1)), or such other limit as permitted by the Board of
Directors or the Committee pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(i), because such
holder’s shares of Class C Preferred Shares were not redeemed, or were only
redeemed in part, then, except as otherwise provided in the Articles of
Incorporation, the Company shall redeem the requisite number of shares of Class
C Preferred Shares of such holder such that no holder will hold an amount of
Class C Preferred Shares in excess of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit or
such other limit, as applicable, subsequent to such redemption. Holders of
Class
C Preferred Shares to be redeemed shall present and surrender such certificate
representing such Class C Preferred Shares to the Corporation at the place
designated in such notice and the person whose name appears on such certificate
representing the Class C Preferred Shares as the owner thereof shall be entitled
to the redemption price of $25.00 per share and any accrued and unpaid dividends
payable upon such redemption. Following such surrender each surrendered
certificate will be canceled. If fewer than all the shares represented by any
such certificate representing Class C Preferred Shares are to be redeemed,
a new
certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares. If (i) notice
of
redemption of any Class C Preferred Shares has been given, (ii) the funds
necessary for such redemption have been set aside by the Corporation in trust
for the benefit of the holders of any Class C Preferred Shares so called for
redemption, and (iii) irrevocable instructions have been given to pay the
redemption price and all accrued and unpaid dividends, then from and after
the
redemption date, dividends shall cease to accrue on such Class C Preferred
Shares, such Class C Preferred Shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding
and
all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to
receive the redemption price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends payable
upon
such redemption, without interest. So long as no dividends are in arrears,
nothing herein shall prevent or restrict the Corporation’s right or ability to
purchase, from time to time either at a public or a private sale, all or any
part of the Class C Preferred Shares at such price or prices as the Corporation
may determine, subject to the provisions of applicable law, including the
repurchase of Class C Preferred Shares in open-market transactions duly
authorized by the Board of Directors.
(c)
In
the event of any redemption of the Class C Preferred Shares in order to preserve
the status of the Corporation as a REIT for United States federal income tax
purposes, such redemption shall be made in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in subparagraph J(5). If the Corporation calls for
redemption any Class C Preferred Shares pursuant to and in accordance with
this
subparagraph J(5)(c), then the redemption price for such shares will be an
amount in cash equal to $25.00 per share together with all accrued and unpaid
dividends to and including the date fixed for redemption.
(d)
Unless full cumulative dividends on all Class C Preferred Shares shall have
been
or contemporaneously are authorized, declared and paid in cash or declared
and a
sum sufficient for the payment thereof in cash set apart for payment for all
past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, no Class C Preferred
Shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Class C Preferred Shares are
simultaneously redeemed and the Corporation shall not purchase or otherwise
acquire directly or indirectly any Class C Preferred Shares or any class or
series of capital stock of the Corporation ranking, as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, on
a
parity with or junior to the Class C Preferred Shares (except by exchange for
shares of capital stock of the Corporation ranking, as to dividends and upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, junior
to the Class C Preferred Shares); provided, however, that the foregoing shall
not prevent the purchase of Class C Preferred Shares by the Corporation in
accordance with the terms of subparagraph J(5)(c) hereof or Article II of the
Charter or otherwise in order to ensure that the Corporation remains qualified
as a REIT for United States federal income tax purposes or the purchase or
acquisition of Class C Preferred Shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange
offer
made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding Class C Preferred
Shares.
(e)
Notice of redemption shall be (a) given by publication in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of New York, such publication to be made once a week
for
two successive weeks commencing not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior
to
the redemption date; and (b) mailed by the Corporation, postage prepaid, as
of a
date set by the Corporation not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to
the
redemption date, addressed to the respective holders of record of the Class
C
Preferred Shares to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they appear
on
the share transfer records of the transfer agent of the Corporation; provided
that if the Corporation shall have reasonably concluded, based upon the advice
of independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, that any redemption
made
pursuant to Section 5 must be made on a date (the “Subject Date”) which is
earlier than 30 days after the date of such mailing in order to avoid a material
risk that the Corporation would otherwise fail to qualify as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes or to comply with federal
tax
laws relating to the Corporation's qualification as a real estate investment
trust, then the Corporation may give such shorter notice as is necessary to
effect such redemption on the Subject Date. Such notice shall be provided by
first-class mail at such holder's address as the same appears on the stock
transfer records of the Corporation, or by publication in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of New York. If the Corporation elects to provide such
notice by publication, it shall also promptly mail notice of such redemption
to
the holders of the Class C Preferred Shares to be redeemed. No failure to give
such notice or any defect thereto or in the mailing thereof shall affect the
sufficiency of notice or validity of the proceedings for the redemption of
any
Class C Preferred Shares except as to a holder to whom notice was defective
or
not given. A redemption notice which has been mailed in the manner provided
herein shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given on the date mailed
whether or not the holder received the redemption notice. Each notice shall
state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the redemption price and accrued and unpaid
dividends payable on the redemption date; (iii) the number of Class C Preferred
Shares to be redeemed; (iv) the place or places where the Class C Preferred
Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price and accrued
and
unpaid dividends payable on the redemption date; and (v) that dividends on
the
Class C Preferred Shares to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate on such
redemption date (vi) and any other information required by law or by the
applicable rules of any exchange upon which the Class C Preferred Shares may
be
listed or admitted for trading. If fewer than all of the Class C Preferred
Shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder
shall also specify the number of Class C Preferred Shares held by such holder
to
be redeemed. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Paragraph
J,
the Corporation shall not be required to provide notice to the holder of Class
C
Preferred Shares in the event such holder’s Class C Preferred Shares are
redeemed in accordance with subparagraph J(10) to preserve the Corporation’s
status as a REIT.
(f)
At
its election, the Corporation, prior to a redemption date, may irrevocably
deposit the redemption price (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of
the
Class C Preferred Shares so called for redemption in trust for the holders
thereof with a bank or trust company, in which case the redemption notice to
holders of the Class C Preferred Shares to be redeemed shall (i) state the
date
of such deposit, (ii) specify the office of such bank or trust company as the
place of payment of the redemption price and (iii) require such holders to
surrender the certificates representing such shares at such place on or about
the date fixed in such redemption notice (which may not be later than the
redemption date) against payment of the redemption price (including all
accumulated and unpaid dividends to the redemption date). Any interest or other
earnings earned on the redemption price (including accumulated and unpaid
dividends) deposited with a bank or trust company shall be paid to the
Corporation. Any monies so deposited which remain unclaimed by the holders
of
Class C Preferred Shares at the end of two years after the redemption date
shall
be returned by such bank or trust company to the Corporation.
(g)
If a
redemption date falls after a Dividend Record Date and on or prior to the
corresponding Dividend Payment Date, each holder of Class C Preferred Shares
at
the close of business of such Dividend Record Date shall be entitled to the
dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date
notwithstanding the redemption of such shares on or prior to such Dividend
Payment Date, and each holder of Class C Preferred Shares that surrenders its
shares on such redemption date will be entitled to the dividends accruing after
the end of the Dividend Period to which such Dividend Payment Date relates
up to
and including the redemption date. Except as provided herein, the Corporation
shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in
arrears, on Class C Preferred Shares for which a notice of redemption has been
given.
(h)
If
notice of redemption has been mailed or published in accordance with Sections
6(e) above and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside
by
the Corporation in trust for the benefit of the holders of the Class C Preferred
Shares so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date (unless
the Corporation defaults in payment of the redemption price), (1) all dividends
on the Class C Preferred Shares called for redemption in such notice shall
cease
to accumulate, (2) all rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the redemption price thereof (including all accumulated and unpaid
dividends up to the redemption date), shall cease and terminate, and (3) all
the
Class C Preferred Shares redeemed or repurchased pursuant to this subparagraph
J(5) and J(6) hereof hereto shall be retired and shall be restored to the status
of authorized but unissued Class C Preferred Shares. Such shares shall not
thereafter be transferred (except with the consent of the Corporation) on the
Corporation's books, and such shares shall not be deemed to be outstanding
for
any purpose whatsoever.
(i)
The
Class C Preferred Shares shall have no stated maturity and shall not be subject
to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption; provided, however, that the Class
C
Preferred Shares owned by a shareholder in excess of the Preferred Share
Ownership Limit shall be subject to the provisions of this subparagraph J(5)
and
subparagraph J(10).
6. Special
Optional Redemption by the Corporation.
(a)
If at
any time both (i) the Class C Preferred Shares cease to be listed on the NYSE
or
the AMEX, or quoted on the NASDAQ, and (ii) the Corporation ceases to be subject
to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, but Class C Preferred Shares
are outstanding, the Corporation will have the option upon written notice to
the
holders of record of the Class C Preferred Shares in accordance with Section
5(e) hereof to redeem the Class C Preferred Shares, in whole but not in part,
within 90 days of the first date upon which both (i) the Class C Preferred
Shares cease to be listed and (ii) the Corporation ceases to be subject to
such
reporting requirements, for cash at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid
distributions, if any, to and including the redemption date, whether or not
authorized.
(b)
Immediately prior to such redemption of Class C Preferred Shares, the
Corporation will pay, in cash, any accrued and unpaid distributions to the
redemption date, whether or not authorized, unless a redemption date falls
after
a Dividend Record Date and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date,
in
which case each holder of Class C Preferred Shares at the close of business
on
such Dividend Record Date will be entitled to the distribution payable on such
shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the redemption
of such shares before the Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided in the
previous sentence, the Corporation will make no payment or allowance for unpaid
distributions, whether or not in arrears, on the Class C Preferred
Shares.
(c)
On or
after the date fixed for redemption, each holder of Class C Preferred Shares
must present and surrender each certificate representing his Class C Preferred
Shares to the Corporation at the place designated in the applicable notice
and
thereupon the redemption price of such shares will be paid to or on the order
of
the person whose name appears on such certificate representing the Class C
Preferred Shares as the owner thereof and each surrendered certificate will
be
canceled. If fewer than all the shares represented by any such certificate
representing Class C Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, a new certificate
shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares.
(d)
At
its election, the Corporation, prior to a redemption date, may irrevocably
deposit the redemption price (including accumulated and unpaid distributions)
of
the Class C Preferred Shares so called for redemption in trust for the holders
thereof with a bank or trust company in accordance with section 5(f)
hereof.
(e)
From
and after the redemption date (unless the Corporation defaults in payment of
the
redemption price), all distributions will cease to cumulate on the Class C
Preferred Shares and all rights of each holder of Class C Preferred Shares
will
terminate with respect to such shares, except the right to receive the
redemption price and all accrued and unpaid distributions up to the redemption
date.
7. Voting
Rights.
(a)
Holders of the Class C Preferred Shares shall not have any voting rights, except
as provided by applicable law and as set forth in this subparagraph
J(7).
(b)
Whenever dividends on any Class C Preferred Shares shall be in arrears for
six
or more quarters, whether or not consecutive (a “Preferred Dividend Default”),
the holders of such Class C Preferred Shares (voting as a single class with
all
other classes or series of parity preferred shares of the Corporation upon
which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (“Parity Preferred”))
shall be entitled to vote for the election of a total of two additional
directors of the Corporation (the “Preferred Directors”) at the next annual
meeting of shareholders and at each subsequent meeting until all dividends
accumulated on such Class C Preferred Shares and Parity Preferred for the past
dividend periods and the then current dividend period shall have been fully
paid
or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment.
In such case, the entire Board of Directors will be increased by two directors.
If and when all accumulated dividends shall have been paid on such Class C
Preferred Shares and all classes or series of Parity Preferred, the right of
the
holders of Class C Preferred Shares and the Parity Preferred to elect such
additional two directors shall immediately cease (subject to revesting in the
event of each and every Preferred Dividend Default), and the term of office
of
each Preferred Director so elected shall terminate and the entire Board of
Directors shall be reduced accordingly. So long as a Preferred Dividend Default
shall continue, any vacancy in the office of a Preferred Director may be filled
by written consent of the Preferred Director remaining in office, or if none
remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of a majority of the
outstanding Class C Preferred Shares when they have the voting rights described
above (voting as a single class with all other classes or series of Parity
Preferred). Each of the Preferred Directors shall be entitled to one vote on
any
matter. A director elected by the holders of Class C Preferred Shares and any
other such series of preferred shares may be removed with or without cause
and
only by vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding Class C Preferred
Shares and any other such series of preferred shares voting as a single
class.
(c)
So
long as any Class C Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the affirmative vote
or
consent of the holders of two-thirds of the Class C Preferred Shares,
outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or
at a
meeting (voting as a single class) will be required to: (i) authorize, create
or
issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series
of
capital stock ranking senior to the Class C Preferred Shares with respect to
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation or reclassify any authorized
shares of capital stock of the Corporation into such capital stock, or create,
authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing
the
right to purchase any such capital stock; or (ii) alter, amend or repeal the
provisions of our Articles of Incorporation or the articles of amendment that
relate to the Class C Preferred Shares, whether by merger, consolidation or
otherwise (an “Event”) in a manner that materially and adversely affects the
rights of the holders of Class C Preferred Shares; provided however, with
respect to the occurrence of any of the Events set forth in (ii) above, so
long
as the Class C Preferred Shares remain outstanding with the terms thereof
materially unchanged, taking into account that, upon the occurrence of an Event,
the Corporation may not be the surviving entity and such surviving entity may
be
a non−corporate entity, the occurrence of such Event shall not be deemed to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of holders of Class C Preferred Shares, and in such case such holders
shall not have any voting rights with respect to the occurrence of any of the
Events set forth in (ii) above. Holders of Class C Preferred Shares shall not
be
entitled to vote with respect to (A) any increase in the total number of
authorized Common Shares or Preferred Shares of the Corporation, or (B) any
increase in the amount of the authorized Class C Preferred Shares or the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of capital stock, or (C)
any
increase in the number of authorized Class C Preferred Shares or any other
class
or series of capital stock, in each case referred to in clause (A) or (B) above
ranking on a parity with or junior to the Class C Preferred Shares with respect
to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation. Except as set
forth
herein, holders of the Class C Preferred Shares shall not have any voting rights
with respect to, and the consent of the holders of the Class C Preferred Shares
shall not be required for, the taking of any corporate action, including an
Event, regardless of the effect that such corporate action or Event may have
upon the powers, preferences, voting power or other rights or privileges of
the
Class C Preferred Shares.
(d)
The
foregoing voting provisions of this subparagraph J(7) shall not apply if, at
or
prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise
be required shall be effected, all outstanding Class C Preferred Shares shall
have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient
funds, in cash, shall have been deposited in trust to effect such
redemption.
(e)
In
any matter in which our Class C Preferred Shares is entitled to vote, each
Class
C Preferred Share will be entitled to one vote. If the holders of Class C
Preferred Shares and another series of preferred shares are entitled to vote
together as a single class on any matter, the Class C Preferred Shares and
the
shares of the other series will have one vote for each $25.00 of liquidation
preference.
8. Conversion.
The
Class C Preferred Shares shall not be convertible into or exchangeable for
any
other property or securities of the Corporation or any other
entity.
9. Ranking.
In
respect of rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets
in
the event of any liquidation, voluntary or involuntary, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Corporation, the Class C Preferred Shares shall rank
(i) senior to all classes or series of the Corporation’s Common Shares as to the
payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and to any other
class
or series of capital stock of the Corporation other than any class or series
referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this sentence, (ii) on a parity with
all equity securities issued by the Corporation in the future the terms of
which
specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the
Class
C Preferred Shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets
in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation,
and (iii) junior to all equity securities issued by the Corporation in the
future the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities
rank
senior to the Class C Preferred Shares as to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Corporation. For avoidance of doubt, debt securities of the
Corporation which are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital
stock of the Corporation shall not constitute a class or series of capital
stock
of the Corporation.
10. Restrictions
on Ownership and Transfer to Preserve Tax Benefit.
(a) Restriction
on Ownership and Transfer.
(i) Prior
to
the Restriction Termination Date, but subject to subparagraph
J(10):
(A)
except as provided in subparagraph J(10)(h), no Person shall Beneficially Own
Class C Preferred Shares in excess of the Preferred Share Ownership
Limit;
(B)
except as provided in subparagraph J(10)(h), no Person shall Constructively
Own
Class C Preferred Shares in excess of the Preferred Share Ownership
Limit;
(C)
no
Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Class C Preferred Shares
which, taking into account any other Capital Stock of the Corporation
Beneficially or Constructively Owned by such Person, would result in the
Corporation being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the
Code, or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including but not limited
to
Beneficial or Constructive Ownership that would result in the Corporation owning
(actually or Constructively) an interest in a tenant that is described in
Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by the Corporation
(either directly or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries) from such
tenant would cause the Corporation to fail to satisfy any of the gross income
requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code).
(ii) If,
prior
to the Restriction Termination Date, any Transfer or other event occurs that,
if
effective, would result in any Person Beneficially or Constructively Owning
Class C Preferred Shares in violation of subparagraph J(10)(a)(i), (A) then
that
number of shares of Class C Preferred Shares that otherwise would cause such
Person to violate subparagraph J(10)(a)(i) (rounded up to the nearest whole
share) shall be automatically transferred to a Trust for the benefit of a
Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Subparagraph J(10)(b), effective as
of
the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of such Transfer
or
other event, and such Purported Beneficial Transferee shall thereafter have
no
rights in such shares or (B) if, for any reason, the transfer to the Trust
described in clause (A) of this sentence is not automatically effective as
provided therein to prevent any Person from Beneficially or Constructively
Owning Class C Preferred Shares in violation of subparagraph J(10)(a)(i), then
the Transfer of that number of Class C Preferred Shares that otherwise would
cause any Person to violate subparagraph J(10)(a)(i) shall be void ab initio,
and the Purported Beneficial Transferee shall have no rights in such
shares.
(iii) Subject
to subparagraph J(11) and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, any
Transfer of Class C Preferred Shares that, if effective, would result in the
capital stock of the Corporation being beneficially owned by fewer than 100
Persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution) shall be
void
ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Class
C
Preferred Shares.
(b) Transfer
of Class C Preferred Shares in Trust.
(i) Upon
any
purported Transfer or other event described in subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii), such
Class C Preferred Shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to the Trustee
in his capacity as trustee of a Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more
Charitable Beneficiaries. Such transfer to the Trustee shall be deemed to be
effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the purported
Transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the Trust pursuant to
subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii). The Trustee shall be appointed by the Corporation
and
shall be a Person unaffiliated with the Corporation, any Purported Beneficial
Transferee or any Purported Record Transferee. Each Charitable Beneficiary
shall
be designated by the Corporation as provided in subparagraph
J(10)(b)(vi).
(ii) Class
C
Preferred Shares held by the Trustee shall be issued and outstanding Class
C
Preferred Shares of the Corporation. The Purported Beneficial Transferee or
Purported Record Transferee shall have no rights in the shares of the Class
C
Preferred Shares held by the Trustee. The Purported Beneficial Transferee or
Purported Record Transferee shall not benefit economically from ownership of
any
shares held in trust by the Trustee, shall have no rights to dividends and
shall
not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the Class C
Preferred Shares held in the Trust.
(iii) The
Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to dividends with respect to
Class C Preferred Shares held in the Trust, which rights shall be exercised
for
the exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary. Any dividend or
distribution paid to or on behalf of the Purported Record Transferee or
Purported Beneficial Transferee prior to the discovery by the Corporation that
Class C Preferred Shares have been transferred to the Trustee shall be paid
to
the Trustee upon demand, and any dividend or distribution declared but unpaid
shall be paid when due to the Trustee with respect to such Class C Preferred
Shares. Any dividends or distributions so paid over to the Trustee shall be
held
in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary. The Purported Record Transferee and
Purported Beneficial Transferee shall have no voting rights with respect to
the
Class C Preferred Shares held in the Trust and, subject to North Carolina law,
effective as of the date the Class C Preferred Shares have been transferred
to
the Trustee, the Trustee shall have the authority (at the Trustee’s sole
discretion) (i) to rescind as void any vote cast by a Purported Record
Transferee with respect to such Class C Preferred Shares prior to the discovery
by the Corporation that the Class C Preferred Shares have been transferred
to
the Trustee and (ii) to recast such vote in accordance with the desires of
the
Trustee acting for the benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary; provided,
however,
that if
the Corporation has already taken irreversible corporate action, then the
Trustee shall not have the authority to rescind and recast such vote.
Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary hereof, until the
Corporation has received notification that the Class C Preferred Shares have
been transferred into a Trust, the Corporation shall be entitled to rely on
its
share transfer and other shareholder records for purposes of preparing lists
of
shareholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and
authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes of
shareholders.
(iv) Within
twenty (20) days of receiving notice from the Corporation that Class C Preferred
Shares have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee of the Trust shall sell
the Class C Preferred Shares held in the Trust to a Person, designated by the
Trustee, whose ownership of the Class C Preferred Shares will not violate the
ownership limitations set forth in subparagraph J(10)(a)(i). Upon such sale,
the
interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Class C Preferred Shares sold
shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale
to
the Purported Record Transferee and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided
in
this subparagraph J(10)(b)(iv). The Purported Record Transferee shall receive
the lesser of (i) the price paid by the Purported Record Transferee for the
Class C Preferred Shares in the transaction that resulted in such transfer
to
the Trust (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the Trust did
not
involve a purchase of such Class C Preferred Shares at Market Price, the Market
Price of such Class C Preferred Shares on the day of the event which resulted
in
the transfer of such Class C Preferred Shares to the Trust) and (ii) the price
per share received by the Trustee (net of any commissions and other expenses
of
sale) from the sale or other disposition of the Class C Preferred Shares held
in
the Trust. The Trustee may reduce the amount payable to the Purported Record
Transferee by the amount of dividends and distributions which have been paid
to
the Purported Record Transferee and are owed by the Purported Record Transferee
to the Trustee pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(b)(iii). Any net sales proceeds
in
excess of the amount payable to the Purported Record Transferee shall be
immediately paid to the Charitable Beneficiary together with any dividends
or
other distributions thereon. If, prior to the discovery by the Corporation
that
shares of such Class C Preferred Shares have been transferred to the Trustee,
such Class C Preferred Shares are sold by a Purported Record Transferee then
(i)
such Class C Preferred Shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of
the
Trust and (ii) to the extent that the Purported Record Transferee received
an
amount for such Class C Preferred Shares that exceeds the amount that such
Purported Record Transferee was entitled to receive pursuant to this
subparagraph J(10)(b)(iv), such excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon
demand.
(v) Class
C
Preferred Shares transferred to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been offered
for sale to the Corporation, or its designee, at a price per share equal to
the
lesser of (i) the price paid by the Purported Record Transferee for the Class
C
Preferred Shares in the transaction that resulted in such transfer to the Trust
(or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the Trust did not involve
a
purchase of such Class C Preferred Shares at Market Price, the Market Price
of
such Class C Preferred Shares on the day of the event which resulted in the
transfer of such Class C Preferred Shares to the Trust) and (ii) the Market
Price on the date the Corporation, or its designee, accepts such offer. The
Corporation may reduce the amount payable to the Purported Record Transferee
by
the amount of dividends and distributions which have been paid to the Purported
Record Transferee and are owed by the Purported Record Transferee to the Trustee
pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(b)(iii). The Corporation shall have the right
to
accept such offer until the Trustee has sold the Class C Preferred Shares held
in the Trust pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(b)(iv). Upon such a sale to the
Corporation, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Class C Preferred
Shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds
of
the sale to the Purported Record Transferee and any dividends or other
distributions held by the Trustee with respect to such Class C Preferred Shares
shall thereupon be paid to the Charitable Beneficiary.
(vi) By
written notice to the Trustee, the Corporation shall designate one or more
nonprofit organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary of the interest in
the
Trust such that the Class C Preferred Shares held in the Trust would not violate
the restrictions set forth in subparagraph J(10)(a)(i) in the hands of such
Charitable Beneficiary.
(c) Remedies
For Breach.
If the
Board of Directors or a committee thereof or other designees if permitted by
the
North Carolina Business Corporation Act shall at any time determine in good
faith that a Transfer or other event has taken place in violation of
subparagraph J(10)(a) or that a Person intends to acquire, has attempted to
acquire or may acquire Beneficial Ownership (determined without reference to
any
rules of attribution) or Constructive Ownership of any shares of Class C
Preferred Shares of the Corporation in violation of subparagraph J(10)(a),
the
Board of Directors or the Committee or other designees if permitted by the
North
Carolina Business Corporation Act shall take such action as it deems advisable
to refuse to give effect or to prevent such Transfer, including, but not limited
to, causing the Corporation to redeem shares of Class C Preferred Shares,
refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Corporation or
instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer; provided,
however,
that any
Transfers (or, in the case of events other than a Transfer, ownership or
Constructive Ownership or Beneficial Ownership) in violation of subparagraph
J(10)(a)(i) shall automatically result in the transfer to a Trust as described
in subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii) and any Transfer in violation of subparagraph
J(10)(a)(iii) shall automatically be void ab initio irrespective of any action
(or non-action) by the Board of Directors.
(d) Notice
of Restricted Transfer.
Any
Person who acquires or attempts to acquire Class C Preferred Shares in violation
of subparagraph J(10)(a), or any Person who is a Purported Beneficial Transferee
such that an automatic transfer to a Trust results under subparagraph
J(10)(a)(ii), or whose Class C Preferred Shares will be redeemed under
subparagraph J(11), shall immediately give written notice to the Corporation
of
such event and shall provide to the Corporation such other information as the
Corporation may request in order to determine the effect, if any of such
Transfer or attempted Transfer on the Corporation’s status as a
REIT.
(e) Owners
Required To Provide Information.
Prior
to the Restriction Termination Date each Person who is a Beneficial Owner or
Constructive Owner of Class C Preferred Shares and each Person (including the
shareholder of record) who is holding Class C Preferred Shares for a Beneficial
Owner or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Corporation such information
that the Corporation may request, in good faith, in order to determine the
Corporation’s status as a REIT.
(f) Remedies
Not Limited.
Nothing
contained in this Paragraph J (but subject to subparagraph J(12)) shall limit
the authority of the Board of Directors to take such other action as it deems
necessary or advisable to protect the Corporation and the interests of its
shareholders by preservation of the Corporation’s status as a REIT.
(g) Ambiguity.
In the
case of an ambiguity in the application of any of the provisions of this
Paragraph J, including any definition contained in subparagraph J(1), the Board
of Directors shall have the power to determine the application of the provisions
of subparagraphs J(1) or (10) with respect to any situation based on the facts
known to it (subject, however, to the provisions of subparagraph J(12)). In
the
event subparagraphs J(1) or (10) requires an action by the Board of Directors
and specific guidance is not provided with respect to such action, the Board
of
Directors shall have the power to determine the action to be taken so long
as
such action is not contrary to the provisions of subparagraphs J(1) or (10).
Absent a decision to the contrary by the Board of Directors (which the Board
of
Directors may make in its sole and absolute discretion), if a Person would
have
(but for the remedies set forth in subparagraph J(10)(a)) acquired Beneficial
or
Constructive Ownership of Class C Preferred Shares in violation of subparagraph
J(10)(a)(i), such remedies (as applicable) shall apply first to the Class C
Preferred Shares which, but for such remedies, would have been actually owned
by
such Person, and second to Class C Preferred Shares, which, but for such
remedies, would have been Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned (but not
actually owned) by such Person, pro rata among the Persons who actually own
such
Class C Preferred Shares based upon the relative number of the Class C Preferred
Shares held by each such Person.
(h) Exceptions.
(i) Subject
to subparagraph J(10)(a)(i)(C), the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a Person from the limitation on
a
Person Beneficially Owning Class C Preferred Shares in violation of subparagraph
J(10)(a)(i)(A) if the Board of Directors determines that such exemption will
not
cause the Corporation to fail to qualify as a REIT under the Code.
(ii) Subject
to subparagraph J(10)(a)(i)(C), the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a Person from the limitation on
a
Person Constructively Owning Class C Preferred Shares in violation of
subparagraph I(8)(a)(i)(B), if the Board of Directors determines that such
exemption will not cause any Individual’s Beneficial Ownership of Class C
Preferred Shares to violate the Preferred Share Ownership Limit and that such
ownership would not cause the Corporation to fail to qualify as a REIT under
the
Code.
(iii) Subject
to subparagraph J(10)(a)(i)(C) and the remainder of this subparagraph
J(10)(h)(iii), the Board of Directors may from time to time increase or decrease
the Preferred Share Ownership Limit; provided,
however,
that
the decreased Preferred Share Ownership Limit will not be effective for any
Person whose percentage ownership of Class C Preferred Shares is in excess
of
such decreased Preferred Share Ownership Limit until such time as such Person's
percentage of Class C Preferred Shares equals or falls below the decreased
Preferred Share Ownership Limit, but any further acquisition of Class C
Preferred Shares in excess of such percentage ownership of Class C Preferred
Shares will be in violation of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit, and,
provided further, that the new Preferred Share Ownership Limit would not allow
five or fewer Persons to Beneficially Own more than 49% in value of the
outstanding capital stock of the Corporation.
(iv) In
granting a person an exemption under subparagraph J(10)(h)(i) or (ii) above,
the
Board of Directors may require such Person to make certain representations
or
undertakings or to agree that any violation or attempted violation of such
representations or undertakings (or other action which is contrary to the
restrictions contained in subparagraph J(10)(a)) will result in such Class
C
Preferred Shares being transferred to a Trust in accordance with subparagraph
J(10)(a)(ii). In
granting any
exception pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(h)(i) or (ii),
the
Board of Directors may require a ruling from the IRS,
or an
opinion of counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the
Board of Directors in its sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable
in order to determine or ensure the Corporation's status as a REIT.
(i) Legend.
Each
certificate for Class C Preferred Shares shall bear the following
legend:
“Tanger
Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (the “Corporation”) will furnish, without charge,
to any shareholder making a written request therefor, a copy of the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, as amended from time to time,
containing a statement of the preferences, limitations and relative rights
applicable to each class of stock of the Corporation, including the Class C
Preferred Shares represented hereby. Such requests may be directed to Tanger
Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., 3200 Northline Avenue, Suite 360, Greensboro,
NC
27408. The Board of Directors is authorized to determine the preferences,
limitations and relative rights of Preferred Shares before the issuance of
any
such Preferred Shares.
“The
Class C Preferred Shares represented by this Certificate are subject to
restrictions on ownership and transfer for the purpose of the Corporation's
maintenance of its status as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. With certain further restrictions and
exceptions set forth in the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, (i) no
Person may own, Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Class C Preferred Shares
in excess of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit and (ii) no Person may own
Common Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit. Any Person who purports to
own,
Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Class C Preferred Shares or Common Shares
in excess of the above limitations must immediately notify the Corporation.
If
any of the restrictions on transfer or ownership are violated, the Class C
Preferred Shares represented hereby in excess of such restrictions (“Excess
Class C Shares”) will be automatically transferred to the Trustee of a Trust for
the benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries. In addition, the
Corporation may redeem shares upon the terms and conditions specified by the
Board of Directors in its sole discretion if the Board of Directors determines
that ownership or a transfer or other event may violate the restrictions
described above. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of certain events, attempted
transfers in violation of the restrictions described above may be void ab
initio.”
“All
capitalized terms in this legend have the meanings defined in the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation. The Corporation will furnish to the holder hereof
upon request and without charge a copy of the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation, as amended, containing a complete written statement of the terms
and conditions of the Excess Class C Preferred Shares. Such requests may be
directed to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., 3200 Northline Avenue, Suite
360, Greensboro, NC 27408.”
(j) Severability.
If any
provision of this subparagraph J(10) or any application of any such provision
is
determined to be invalid by any federal or state court having jurisdiction
over
the issues, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected
and
other applications of such provision shall be affected only to the extent
necessary to comply with the determination of such court.
(k) Applicability
of Subparagraph J(10).
The
provisions set forth in this subparagraph J(10) shall apply to the Class C
Preferred Shares notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Class C
Preferred Shares provided for elsewhere in Paragraph J.
11. Redemption
of Class C Preferred Shares in Certain Circumstances.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in subparagraphs J(4) and J(5) :
(a) Prior
to
the Restriction Termination Date, if a purported Transfer (whether or not such
Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities
of
the NYSE), change in the capital structure of the Corporation or other event
would result in a violation of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit and such
violation would not occur but for the occurrence of redemption or purchase
by
the Corporation of all or a portion of the outstanding Class C Preferred Shares
then, immediately prior to the occurrence of such Transfer, change in the
capital structure of the Corporation or other event, an amount of Class C
Preferred Shares (rounded up to the nearest one-tenth of a share) shall be
automatically redeemed by the Corporation from the actual owner of Class C
Preferred Shares which is Beneficially or Constructively Owned by any Person
who
(but for this subparagraph J(11)) would Beneficially or Constructively Own
Class
C Preferred Shares in excess of the Preferred Share Ownership Limit after the
occurrence of the Transfer, change in the capital structure of the Corporation
or other event. The redemption price of each share of Class C Preferred Shares
automatically redeemed pursuant to this subparagraph J(11) shall be (i) the
price per share paid for the Class C Preferred Shares in the purported Transfer
that resulted in the redemption, or (ii) if the Transfer or other event that
resulted in the redemption was not a transaction in which the full value was
paid for such Class C Preferred Shares, a price per share equal to the Market
Price on the date of the purported Transfer or other event that resulted in
the
redemption. In either case, dividends which are accrued but unpaid with respect
to the redeemed shares as of the date of the purported Transfer or other event
that resulted in the redemption shall be paid (except as limited by the next
succeeding sentence). Although any such automatic redemption shall in all cases
be consummated as described above, the redemption price, including the principal
amount thereof and any dividend payable thereon, shall be payable only if and
to
the extent that such payment could then be made under Section 55-6-40 of the
North Carolina Business Corporation Act. Any dividend or other distribution
paid
prior to the discovery of the Corporation that shares of Class C Preferred
Shares have been redeemed by the Corporation shall be repaid to the Corporation
upon demand.
(b) Prior
to
the Restriction Termination Date, if (1) there is a purported Transfer (whether
or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the
facilities of the NYSE), change in the capital structure of the Corporation
or
other event (a “Non-Voidable Event”) to which subparagraph J(11)(a) would not
otherwise apply, and (2) one or more of the restrictions on ownership and
transfers described in subparagraph J(10)(a) would be violated upon the
occurrence of such Non-Voidable Event then, if and only if such Non-Voidable
Event cannot be voided pursuant to subparagraph J(10)(a)(ii) or (iii) (as
applicable), subparagraph J(11)(a) shall apply to such Non-Voidable Event as
if
it were a redemption or purchase by the Corporation of all or a portion of
the
outstanding Class C Preferred Shares.
12. Settlement.
Nothing
in this Paragraph J shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered
into through facilities of the NYSE. The Class C Preferred Shares that are
the
subject of such transaction shall continue to be subject to the provisions
of
this Paragraph J, including subparagraph J(10) after such
settlement.
13. Exclusion
of Other Rights.
Except
as may otherwise be required by law, the Class C Preferred Shares shall not
have
any voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights, other than those specifically set forth in this Paragraph J
(as
may be amended from time to time). The Class C Preferred Shares shall have
no
preemptive or subscription rights.
14. Headings
of Subdivisions.
The
headings of the various subdivisions hereof are for convenience of reference
only and shall not affect the interpretation of any of the provisions
hereof.
15. Severability
of Provisions.
If any
voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other
special rights of the Class C Preferred Shares and qualifications, limitations
and restrictions thereof set forth in this Paragraph J (as may be amended from
time to time) is invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason
of
any rule of law or public policy, all other voting powers, preferences and
relative, participating, optional and other special rights of Class C Preferred
Shares and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in
this Paragraph J (as so amended) which can be given effect without the invalid,
unlawful or unenforceable voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional and other special rights of Class C Preferred Shares
and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof shall, nevertheless, remain
in full force and effect, and no voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of Class C Preferred Shares
and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof herein set forth shall
be
deemed dependent upon any other such voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of Class C Preferred Shares
and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof unless so expressed
herein.
This
the
10th day of November, 2005.
[SIGNATURE
TO APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these Articles of Amendment to
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to be duly executed as of
November 10, 2005.
Tanger
Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
BY:
_____________________________
Stanley
K. Tanger, Chairman of
the
Board
of Directors