6-K
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN
PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15a-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K
dated June 21, 2005
Partner
Communications Company Ltd.
(Translation of Registrants Name Into English)
8 Amal Street
Afeq Industrial Park
Rosh Haayin 48103
Israel
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(Address
of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.) |
Form 20-F x
Form 40-F o
(Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.)
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Yes o
No x
(If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
82-
) |
This Form 6-K is incorporated by
reference into the Companys Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 26, 2001 (Registration No. 333-14222).
Enclosure: |
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Notice
and Proxy Statements re Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. |
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
NOTICE OF
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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Rosh Haayin, Israel June 21, 2005 |
Notice
is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (the
EGM) of Partner Communications Company Ltd. (the
Company or Partner) will be held on Tuesday, July
12, 2005 commencing at 10:00 am (Israel time), at our offices, 8 Haamal Street, Rosh
Haayin, Israel or at any adjournments thereof.
It
is proposed at the EGM to adopt the following resolutions:
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(i) |
to approve the amended Articles of Association of the Company attached to this
Proxy Statement; and |
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(ii) |
to authorize the redemption of the 13% senior subordinated notes issued by the
Company in August 2000 on August 15, 2005 or such later date chosen by
Companys management. |
Only
shareholders of record at the close of business on June 21, 2005 will be entitled to
receive notice of, and to vote at the EGM, subject to the restrictions in the
Companys Articles of Association, as set forth in the attached Proxy Statement. All
shareholders are cordially invited to attend the EGM in person.
Shareholders
who will not attend the EGM in person are requested to complete, date and sign the
enclosed form of proxy and to return it promptly (and in any event at least two business
days prior to the date of the EGM) in the pre-addressed envelope provided. Shareholders
may revoke their proxies by written notice received at the offices of the Company prior to
the commencement of the EGM, and vote their shares in person.
The
Articles of Association of the Company also allow shareholders of the Company to vote at
the EGM by means of a deed of vote and a form of deed of vote will be made available to
shareholders registered in the Companys Shareholder Register on the record. Holders
of American Depositary Shares are not registered in the Companys Shareholder
Register but may instruct the Depositary, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as to the exercise of the
voting rights pertaining to the Ordinary Shares evidenced by their American Depositary
Shares, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Depositary Agreement governing the
American Depositary Shares.
Registered
joint holders of shares should take note that, pursuant to the Articles of Association of
the Company, only the first named joint holder of any share shall vote, either in person,
by proxy, or by deed of vote, without taking into account the other registered joint
holder(s) of the share. For this purpose, the first named joint holder shall be the person
whose name is registered first in the Shareholder Register.
Copies
of the proposed resolutions are available at our offices, 8 Haamal Street, Rosh
Haayin, Israel, every business day from 9 AM to 5 PM (Israel time). Our telephone
number is +972-54-7814191.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
ROLY KLINGER, ADV.
Vice President Chief Legal Counsel and
Joint Company Secretary |
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
8 Haamal Street
Rosh Haayin
48092, Israel
This
Proxy Statement is furnished to the holders of Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.01 per
share (the Ordinary Shares), including holders of American Depositary
Shares (each representing one Ordinary Share, the ADSs) of
Partner Communications Company Ltd. (the Company or
Partner) in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors
of proxies for use at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (the
EGM), to be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 commencing at 10:00 am
(Israel time), at our offices, 8 Haamal Street, Rosh Haayin, Israel, or at any
adjournments thereof.
It
is proposed at the EGM:
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(i) |
to approve the amended Articles of Association of the Company attached to this
Proxy Statement; and |
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(ii) |
to authorize the redemption of the 13% senior subordinated notes issued by the
Company in August 2000 on August 15, 2005 or such later date chosen by
Companys management. |
A
form of proxy for use at the EGM and a return envelope for the proxy are enclosed.
Shareholders may revoke their proxies by written notice received at the offices of the
Company prior to the EGM and vote their shares in person. Ordinary Shares represented by
any proxy in the enclosed form, if the proxy is properly executed and delivered to the
Company at least two business days prior to the date of the EGM, will be voted as
indicated on the form or, if no preference is noted, will be voted in favor of the matters
described above, and in such manner as the holder of the proxy may determine with respect
to any other business as may come before the EGM or any adjournment thereof.
Proxies
for use at the EGM are being solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. Only
shareholders of record at the close of business on June 21, 2005 will be entitled to
receive notice of, and to vote at the EGM. Proxies are being mailed to shareholders on or
about June 21, 2005 and will be solicited primarily by mail; however, certain of
our officers, directors, employees and agents, none of whom will receive additional
compensation therefore, may solicit proxies by telephone, telegram or other personal
contact. We will bear the cost of the solicitation of the proxies by the Board of
Directors, including postage, printing and handling, and will reimburse the reasonable
expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding material to beneficial owners of
Ordinary Shares.
On
June 16, 2005, the Company had outstanding 151,469,445 Ordinary Shares. The holder of each
Ordinary Share is entitled to one vote upon each of the matters to be presented at the
EGM. Two or more shareholders holding Ordinary Shares conferring in the aggregate at least
one-third of our voting rights, present in person or by proxy at the EGM, or who have
delivered to us a deed of vote, and entitled to vote, will constitute a quorum at the EGM.
ITEM 1
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Amendment
No. 3 to the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999 (the Companies Law)
became effective on March 17, 2005. We are proposing to amend our Articles of Association
to conform to the provisions of Amendment No. 3 of the Companies Law and other additional
amendments in order to allow the Company greater flexibility in managing the Company and
its business. The Companys Articles of Association with the proposed amendments is
attached hereto in a clean version (Annex A) and as a marked
version (Annex A1)
The
proposed amended Articles of Association include, inter alia, changes with regard to the
following subjects: the Board of Directors power to delegate the authority to issue
or allocate shares or other securities; the authority of the Annual Meeting of the
shareholders; General Meeting resolutions; the adjournment procedures for meetings;
alternate directors; written resolutions of the Board of Directors; membership of Board of
Directors committees; indemnification of officers and directors; release from liabilities
of officers and directors; and insurance of officers and directors.
The
affirmative vote of the holders of 75% of the Ordinary Shares present, in person or by
proxy, and voting on the matter is required for the approval thereof.
It
is proposed that at the EGM the following resolution be adopted:
RESOLVED,
to approve the Companys Articles of Association, as amended, as attached hereto as
Annex A.
The Board of Directors
recommends a vote FOR approval of this proposed resolution.
ITEM 2
REDEMPTION
OF THE COMPANYS
13% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
In
August 2000, we issued US$175 million in principal amount of 13% senior subodinated notes
maturing August 2010 (the Notes). Due to the high interest rate of
these Notes, we intend to redeem the Notes on August 15, 2005, the first date on which the
Notes may be called, according to the terms of the Notes. The Company has secured credit
resources that are substantially less expensive than the above mentioned that include: (a)
NIS-CPI linked 2 billion 4.25% unsecured series A notes due 2012; and (b) $275 million of
availability on our new credit facility dated April 14, 2005. Under the terms of the
Notes, redemption of the 13% Notes requires payment of a premium of 6.5%, if the Notes are
redeemed between August 15, 2005 and August 14 2006, with the redemption premium
decreasing if the Notes are redeemed after August 14, 2006.
2
We
have been notified by Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited
(HTIL), an indirect controlling shareholder of Partner, that persons
who are officers or directors or controlling shareholders of HTIL hold Notes in the
principal amount of approximately US$50 million. As a result, under the Companies Law, the
repurchase or redemption of the Notes may be considered a transaction in which a
controlling shareholder has a personal interest. Both our Audit Committee and Board of
Directors have approved the resolutions set forth below.
It
is proposed that at the EGM the following resolutions be adopted:
RESOLVED,
to authorize the redemption by the Company of the Companys 13% senior subordinated
notes due August 10, 2010, at any time on or after August 15, 2005, and to pay the
purchase price of the Notes and premium, as provided under the terms of such Notes, and
any other related costs incurred in connection with such redemption; and
FURTHER
RESOLVED, to authorize the Companys management to take all steps and to execute
and deliver all such instruments and documents in the name and on behalf of the Company,
as in its judgment shall be necessary, proper or advisable in order to fully carry out the
intent and to accomplish the purposes of the foregoing resolution.
Under
the Companies Law, an extraordinary transaction of a company with a controling shareholder
or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest requires the approval of the
companys audit committee, board of directors and shareholders. The approval by the
shareholders of such a transaction requires approval by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the ordinary shares present, in person or by proxy, and voting on
the matter for the approval thereof, provided that either (a) the majority of the ordinary
shares voted at the meeting includes at least one-third of the ordinary shares voted by
shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the matter; or (b) the total ordinary
shares of the shareholders referred to in clause (a) voted against the matter does not
exceed one percent of the aggregate voting rights of the company.
Under
the Companies Law, a personal interest of a shareholder (i) includes a
personal interest of any members of the shareholders immediate family (or spouses
thereof) or a personal interest of an entity in which the shareholder (or such family
member thereof) serves as a director or the chief executive officer, owns at least 5% of
its issued share capital or its voting rights or has the right to appoint a director or
the chief executive officer and (ii) excludes an interest arising solely from the
ownership of shares in the company. Each shareholder is asked to indicate on the enclosed
proxy card whether or not he has a personal interest in this matter as a condition for his
right to vote and be counted with respect to such resolution.
We
believe that officers or directors or controlling shareholders of HTIL may be considered
to have a personal interest in this matter.
The
Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR approval of these proposed resolutions.
3
RESTRICTIONS ON VOTING
RIGHTS
Partner
conducts its operations pursuant to a license granted to Partner by the Minister of
Communications of the State of Israel. Partners Articles of Association and, with
respect to shareholders other than shareholders of Partner prior to its public offering,
Partners license contain provisions that may cause the suspension of voting rights
of the holders of Ordinary Shares or ADSs if such voting rights would breach the ownership
limits contained in our license. These limits prohibit the transfer or acquisition of 10%
or more of Partners means of control and acquisition of control of the Company
without the consent of the Minister of Communications in Israel, and restrict
cross-control and cross-ownership of other mobile telephone operators in Israel, and
shareholdings and agreements which may reduce or harm competition. Ordinary Shares or
Ordinary Shares represented by ADSs held in breach of these limits may be considered as
dormant shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Proxy Statement, dormant
shares will not bear any rights to which the holders would otherwise be entitled, other
than the right to receive dividends and other distributions to shareholders (including the
right to participate in rights offerings). Specifically, the holders of dormant shares
will not have voting rights with respect to their dormant shares, nor will they have the
right to participate in EGM of shareholders.
Any
shareholder seeking to vote at the EGM must notify the Company prior to the vote, or, if
the vote is by deed of vote, must so indicate on the deed of vote, if any of the
shareholders holdings in Partner or the shareholders vote requires the consent
of the Minister of Communications due to a breach by the shareholder of the restrictions
on the transfer or acquisition of means of control or acquisition of control of Partner,
or the provisions regarding cross-ownership or cross-control of other mobile telephone
operators in Israel, in each case as specified in sections 21 and 23 of Partners
license. If a shareholder does not provide such notification, the shareholder shall not
vote and, if the shareholder has voted, his or her vote shall not be counted.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
ROLY KLINGER, ADV.
Vice President General Counsel and Joint Company
Secretary |
Dated: June 21, 2005
4
ANNEX A
Articles of Association
of
Partner Communications
Company Ltd.
As amended and
restated on July 21, 2005
Table of Contents
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Chapter One - General |
4 |
1. |
Definitions and Interpretation |
4 |
2. |
Public Company |
6 |
3. |
The Purpose of the Company |
6 |
4. |
The Objectives of the Company |
6 |
5. |
Limited Liability |
6 |
Chapter Two - The Share Capital of the Company |
6 |
6. |
Share Capital |
6 |
7. |
The Issuance of Shares and Other Equity Securities |
7 |
8. |
Calls for Payment |
7 |
9. |
The Shareholder Registers of the Company and the Issuance of Share Certificates |
9 |
10. |
Transfer of Shares of the Company |
10 |
10A. |
Limitations on Transfer of Shares |
12 |
10B. |
Required Minimum Holdings |
14 |
11. |
Bearer Share Certificate |
15 |
12. |
Pledge of Shares |
15 |
13. |
Changes in the Share Capital |
15 |
Chapter Three - General Meetings |
18 |
14. |
The Authority of the General Meeting |
18 |
15. |
Kinds of General Meetings |
19 |
16. |
The Holding of General Meetings |
20 |
17. |
The Agenda of General Meetings |
21 |
18. |
Discussions in General Meetings |
21 |
19. |
Voting of the Shareholders |
23 |
20. |
The Appointment of a Proxy |
25 |
21. |
Deed of Vote |
26 |
Chapter Four - The Board of Directors |
29 |
22. |
The Authority of the Board of Directors |
29 |
23. |
The Appointment of Directors and the Termination of Their Office |
30 |
24. |
Actions of Directors |
34 |
25. |
Committees of the Board of Directors |
37 |
26. |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
39 |
Chapter Five - Officers who are not Directors and the Auditor |
40 |
27. |
The General Manager |
40 |
28. |
The Corporate Secretary, Internal Controller and Other Officers of the Company |
42 |
29. |
The Auditor |
43 |
Chapter Six - The Share Capital of the Company and its Distribution |
45 |
30. |
Permitted Distributions |
45 |
31. |
Dividends and Bonus Shares |
45 |
32. |
The Acquisition of Shares |
59 |
Chapter Seven - Insurance, Indemnification and Release of Officers |
49 |
33. |
Insurance of Officers |
49 |
34. |
Indemnification of Officers |
50 |
35. |
Release of Officers |
51 |
2
3
Chapter One
General
1. |
Definitions
and Interpretation |
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1.1. |
The
following terms in these Articles of Association bear the meaning appearing
alongside them below: |
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Articles of Association |
The Articles of Association of the Company, as set forth herein or as |
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amended, whether explicitly or pursuant to any Law. |
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Business Day |
Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, with the exception of holidays and official |
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days of rest in the State of Israel. |
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Companies Law |
The Companies Law, 1999. |
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Companies Ordinance |
The Companies Ordinance [New Version], 1983. |
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Companies Regulations |
Regulations issued pursuant to the Companies Ordinance or Companies Law. |
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Director |
A Director of the Company in accordance with the definition in Section 1 of |
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the Companies Law, including an Alternate Director or an empowered |
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representative. |
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Document |
A printout and any other form of written or printed words, including |
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documents transmitted in writing, via facsimile, telegram, telex, e-mail, on |
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a computer or through any other electronic instrumentation, producing or |
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allowing the production of a copy and/or an output of a document. |
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Founding Shareholder |
A "founding shareholder or its substitute" as defined in Section 21.8 of the |
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License. |
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Founding Israeli Shareholder |
A Founding Shareholder who also qualifies as an "Israeli Entity" as defined |
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for purposes of Section 22A of the License. |
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Financial Statements |
The balance sheet, profit and loss statement, statement of changes in the |
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share capital and cash flow statements, including the notes attached to them. |
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Law |
The provisions of any law ("din") as defined in the Interpretation Law, 1981. |
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License |
The Company's General License for the Provision of Mobile Radio Telephone |
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Services using the Cellular Method in Israel dated April 7, 1998, and the |
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permit issued by the Ministry of Communications dated April 7, 1998. |
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Linkage |
Payments with respect to changes in the Israeli consumer price index or the |
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representative exchange rate of NIS vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar, as published |
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by the Bank of Israel, or any other rate which replaces such rate. |
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Minimum Founding |
The minimum shareholding in the Company required to be held by Founding |
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Shareholders Holding |
Shareholders pursuant to Section 22A.1 of the License. |
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Minimum Israeli Holding |
The minimum shareholding in the Company required to be held by Founding |
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Israeli Shareholders pursuant to Section 22A.2 of the License. |
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NIS |
New Israeli Shekel |
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Office |
The registered office of the Company. |
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Ordinary Majority |
A simple majority of the shareholders who are entitled to vote and who voted |
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in a General Meeting in person, by means of a proxy or by means of a deed of |
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voting. |
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Qualified Israeli Director |
A director who at all times (i) is a citizen of Israel and resident in |
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Israel, (ii) qualifies to serve as a director under applicable law, (iii) |
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qualifies as a Director with Clearance as defined in section 25A, and (iv) is |
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appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company pursuant to section 23.2.6 |
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of these Articles. |
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Securities |
Shares, bonds, capital notes or securities negotiable into shares and |
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certificates, conferring a right in such securities, or other securities |
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issued by the Company. |
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Securities Law |
The Securities Law, 1968. |
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Securities Regulations |
Regulations issued pursuant to the Securities Law. |
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Shares |
shares in the share capital of the Company. |
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Shareholder |
Anyone registered as a shareholder in the Shareholder Register of the Company. |
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Special Majority |
A majority of at least three quarters of the votes of shareholders who are |
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entitled to vote and who voted in a general meeting, in person, by means of a |
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proxy or by means of a deed of voting. |
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1.2. |
The provisions of Sections 3 through 10 of the Interpretation Law, 1981, shall
also apply to the interpretation of these Articles of Association, mutatis
mutandis, unless the context otherwise requires. |
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1.3. |
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, each word and expression in these
Articles of Association shall have the meaning given to it in accordance with
the Companies Law, and to the extent that no meaning is attached to it in the
Companies Law, the meaning given to it in the Companies Regulations, and if they
lack reference thereto, as stated, the meaning given to it in the Securities Law
or Securities Regulations, and in the absence of any meaning, as stated, the
meaning given to it in another Law, unless it contradicts the relevant provision
or its contents. |
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The
Company is a public company. |
3. |
The
Purpose of the Company |
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The
purpose of the Company is to operate in accordance with business considerations to
generate profits; provided, however, the Board of Directors is entitled to donate
reasonable amounts to worthy causes, even if such a donation is not within the framework
of business considerations, as stated. |
4. |
The
Objectives of the Company |
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The
Company shall engage in any legal business. |
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The
liability of the Shareholders of the Company is limited, each one up to the full amount he
undertook to pay for the Shares allotted to him, at the time of the allotment. |
Chapter Two The
Share Capital of the Company
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6.1. |
The authorized share capital of the Company is NIS 2,350,000, divided into
235,000,000 ordinary shares at a par value of NIS 0.01 each (hereinafter: the
Ordinary Shares). |
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6.2. |
Each Ordinary Share shall confer upon its holder the right to receive notices as
required in these Articles of Association, and to attend and vote in, general
meetings, and to one vote for each Ordinary Share held by him. |
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6.3. |
Each class of Shares shall also confer equal rights to each holder in the class
with respect to the amounts of equity which were paid or credited as paid with
respect to their par value, in all matters pertaining to dividends, the
distribution of bonus shares and any other distribution, return of capital and
participation in the distribution of the balance of the assets of the Company
upon liquidation. |
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6.4. |
The provisions of these Articles of Association with respect to Shares, shall
also apply to other Securities issued by the Company, mutatis mutandis. |
6
7. |
The Issuance of Shares and Other Securities |
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7.1. |
The Board of Directors of the Company may issue or allocate Shares and other
equity Securities of the Company, up to the limit of the registered share
capital of the Company. In the event that the share capital of the Company
includes several classes of Shares and other equity Securities, no shares and
other equity Securities shall be issued above the limit of the registered share
capital for its class. |
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7.2. |
The Board of Directors is entitled to delegate its power to issue or allocate
Shares or other Securities, as authorized under the Companies Law. |
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7.3. |
The Board of Directors of the Company may issue redeemable Securities, having
such rights and subject to such conditions as will be determined by the Board of
Directors. |
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7.4. |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles of Association, the Board of
Directors may allot Shares and other Securities according to such stipulations
and conditions, at par value or by way of a premium, as it deems fit. |
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7.5. |
The Board of Directors may decide on the issuance of a series of bonds or other
debt securities within the framework of its authority or to take a loan on
behalf of the Company and within the limits of the same authority. |
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7.6. |
The Shareholders of the Company at any given time shall not have any preemption
right or priority or any other right whatsoever with respect to the acquisition
of Securities of the Company. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
may decide to offer Securities of the Company first to existing Shareholders or
to any one or more of them. |
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7.7. |
The Company is entitled to pay a commission (including underwriting fees) to any
person, in consideration for underwriting services, or the marketing or
distribution of Securities of the Company, whether reserved or unreserved, as
determined by the Board of Directors. Payments, as stated in this Article, may
be paid in cash or in Securities of the Company, or partly in one manner and
partly in another manner. |
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8.1. |
In the event that according to the terms of a Share allotment, there is no fixed
date for the payment of any part of the price that is to be paid for the Shares,
the Board of Directors may issue from time to time calls of payment to the
Shareholders with respect to the moneys which were not yet paid by them in
relation to the Shares (hereinafter: Calls of Payment or a
Call of Payment, as the case may be). |
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8.2. |
A Call of Payment shall set a date, which will not be earlier than thirty days
from the date of the notice, by which the amount indicated in the Call of
Payment must be paid, together with interest, Linkage and expenses incurred in
consequence of the nonpayment, according to the rates and amounts set by
the Board of Directors. The notice shall further specify that in the event of a
failure to pay within the date fixed, the Shares in respect of which payment or
the rate is required may be forfeited. In the event that a Shareholder fails to
meet any of its obligations, under a Call of Payment, the Share in respect of
which said notice was issued pursuant to the resolution of the Board of
Directors may be forfeited at any time thereafter. The forfeiture of Shares
shall include the forfeiture of all the dividends on same Shares which were not
paid prior to the forfeiture, even if such dividends were declared. |
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8.3. |
Any amount, which according to the terms of a Share allotment, must be paid at
the time of issuance or at a fixed date, whether at the par value of the Share
or at a premium, shall be deemed for the purposes of these Articles of
Association to be combined in a duly issued Call of Payment. In the event of
non-payment of any such amount, all the provisions of these Articles of
Association shall apply with respect to such an amount, as if a proper Call of
Payment has been made and an appropriate notice thereof was given. |
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8.4. |
The Board of Directors, acting reasonably and in good faith, may differentiate
among Shareholders with respect to amounts of Calls of Payment and/or their
payment time. |
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8.5. |
The joint holders of Shares shall be liable, jointly and severally, for the
payment of Calls of Payment in respect of such Shares. |
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8.6. |
Any payment for Shares shall be credited, pro rata, according to the par value
of and according to the premium on such Shares. |
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8.7. |
A Call of Payment may be cancelled or deferred to another date, as may be
decided by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may waive any
interest, Linkage and expenses or any part of them. |
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8.8. |
The Board of Directors may receive from a Shareholder any payments for his
Shares, in addition to the amount of any Call of Payment, and the Board of
Directors may pay to the same Shareholder interest on amounts which were paid in
advance, as stated above, or on same part of them, in excess of the amount of
the Call of Payment, or to make any other arrangement with him which may
compensate him for the advancement of the payment. |
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8.9. |
A Shareholder shall not be entitled to a dividend or to his other rights as a
Shareholder, unless he has fully paid the amounts specified in the Calls of
Payment issued to him, together with interest, Linkage and expenses, if any,
unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. |
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8.10. |
The Board of Directors is entitled to sell, re-allot or transfer in any other
manner any Share which was forfeited, in the manner it decides, with or without
any amount paid on the Share or deemed as paid on it. |
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8.11. |
The Board of Directors is entitled at all times prior to the sale, reallotment
or transfer of the forfeited Share to cancel the forfeiture on the conditions it
may decide. |
8
|
8.12. |
A person whose Shares have been forfeited shall, notwithstanding the forfeiture,
remain liable to pay to the Company all moneys which, up until the date of
forfeiture, were due and payable by him to the Company in respect of the Shares,
including interest, Linkage and expenses up until the actual payment date in the
same manner as if the Shares were not forfeited, and shall be compelled to
fulfill all the requirements and claims which the Company was entitled to
enforce with respect to the Shares up until the forfeiture date, without any
decrease or discount for the value of the Shares at the time of forfeiture. His
liability shall cease only if and when the Company receives the full payment set
at the time of allotment of the Shares. |
|
8.13. |
The Board of Directors may collect any Calls of Payment which were not paid on
the forfeited Shares or any part of them, as it deems fit, but it is not
obligated to do so. |
|
8.14. |
The forfeiture of a Share shall cause, as of the time of forfeiture, the
cancellation of all rights in the Company and of any claim or demand against the
Company with respect to that Share, and of other rights and obligations of the
Shareholder in respect of the Company, save as otherwise provided by Law. |
9. |
The Shareholder Registers of the Company and the Issuance of Share
Certificates |
|
9.1. |
The Company shall maintain a Shareholder Register and a Register of Significant
Shareholders, together with a notation of any Exceptional Holdings in accordance
with the provisions set forth in Article 10A below, to be administered by the
corporate secretary of the Company, subject to the oversight of the Board of
Directors. |
|
9.2. |
A Shareholder is entitled to receive from the Company, free of charge, within
two months after an allotment or the registration of a transfer (unless the
conditions of the allotment fix a different period) one or several certificates
with respect to all the Shares of a certain class registered in his favor, which
certificate must specify the number of the Shares, the class of the Shares and
the amount paid for them and also any other detail deemed important by the Board
of Directors. In the event a Share is held jointly, the Company shall not be
obligated to issue more than one certificate for all the joint holders, and the
delivery of such a certificate to any of the joint holders shall be viewed as if
it was delivered to all of them. |
|
9.3. |
Each and every Share certificate shall be stamped with the seal or the stamp of
the Company or bear the Companys printed name, and shall also bear the
signature of one Director and of the corporate secretary of the Company, or of
two Directors or of any other person appointed by the Board of Directors for
this purpose. |
|
9.4. |
The Company is entitled to issue a new Share certificate in place of an issued
Share certificate which was lost or spoiled or corrupted, following evidence
thereto and guarantees and indemnities, as may be required by the Company and
the payment of an amount determined by the Board of Directors. |
9
|
9.5. |
Where two people or more are registered as joint holders of Shares, each of them
is entitled to acknowledge the receipt of a dividend or other payments in
connection with such jointly held Shares, and such acknowledgement of any one of
them shall be good discharge of the Companys obligation to pay such
dividend or other payments. |
|
10.1. |
The Shares are transferable. The transfer of Shares shall not be registered
unless the Company receives a deed of transfer (hereinafter: Deed of
Transfer) or other proper Document or instrument of transfer. A Deed of
Transfer shall be drawn up in the following manner or in any substantially
similar manner or in any other manner approved by the Board of Directors. |
10
Deed of Transfer
|
I,
_________________, (hereinafter: The Transferor) of ____________, do hereby
transfer to ___________ (hereinafter: The Transferee) of __________, for
valuable consideration paid to me, _________ Share(s) having a par value of NIS 0.01 each,
numbered ________ to ________ (inclusive), of Partner Communications Company Ltd.
(hereinafter: the Company) to hold unto the Transferee, his executors,
administrators and assigns, subject to the same terms and conditions on which I held the
same at the time of the execution hereof; and I, the said Transferee, do hereby agree to
take the said Share(s) subject to the aforesaid terms and conditions. |
|
In
witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this _____ day of _________, _____. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Transferor |
The Transferee |
|
Name: _______________ |
Name: _______________ |
|
Signature: ____________ |
Signature: ____________ |
|
|
Witness to the Signature of: |
|
The Transferor |
The Transferee |
|
Name: _____________ |
Name: _____________ |
|
Signature: ____________ |
Signature: ____________ |
|
10.2. |
The transfer of Shares which are not fully paid, or Shares on which the Company
has a lien or pledge, shall have no validity unless approved by the Board of
Directors, which may, in its absolute discretion and without giving any
reasoning thereto, decline the registration of such a transfer. The Board of
Directors may deny a transfer of Shares as aforesaid and may also impose a
condition of the transfer of Shares as aforesaid an undertaking by the
transferee to meet the obligations of the transferor with respect to the Shares
or the obligations for which the Company has a lien or pledge on the Shares,
signed by the transferee together with the signature of a witness,
authenticating the signature of the transferee. |
|
10.3. |
The transfer of a fraction of a Share shall lack validity. |
|
10.4. |
A transferor of Shares shall continue to be regarded as the holder of the
transferred Shares, until the name of the transferee of the Shares is registered
in the Shareholder Register of the Company. |
|
10.5. |
A Deed of Transfer shall be filed with the Companys office for
registration, together with the Share Certificates for the Shares which are to
be transferred (if such are issued) and also any other evidence which the
Company may require with respect to the proprietary right of the transferor or
with respect to his right to transfer the Shares. Deeds of Transfer which are
registered shall remain with the Company. The Company is not obligated to retain
the Deeds of Transfer and the Share Certificates, which may be cancelled, after
the completion of a seven-year period from the registration of the transfer. |
11
|
10.6. |
A joint Shareholder may transfer his right in a Share. In the event the
transferring Shareholder does not hold the relevant Share Certificate, the
transferor shall not be obligated to attach the Share Certificate to the Deed of
Transfer, so long as the Deed of Transfer shall indicate that the transferor
does not hold the Share Certificate, that the right he has in the Shares therein
is being transferred, and that the transferred Share is held jointly with
others, together with their details. |
|
10.7. |
The Company may require payment of a fee for the registration of the transfer,
at an amount or a rate determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. |
|
10.8. |
The Board of Directors may close the Shareholder Register for a period of up to
thirty days in each year. |
|
10.9. |
Subject to Article 10.10, upon the death of a Shareholder, the Company shall
recognize the custodians or administrators of the estate or executors of the
will, and in the absence of such, the lawful heirs of the Shareholder, as the
only holders of the right for the Shares of the deceased Shareholder, after
receipt of evidence to the entitlement thereto, as determined by the Board of
Directors. |
|
10.10. |
In the event that a deceased Shareholder held Shares jointly with others, the
Company shall acknowledge each survivor as a joint Shareholder with respect to
said Shares, unless all the joint holders in the Share notify the Company in
writing, prior to the death of any of them, of their will that the provisions of
this Article shall not apply to them. The foregoing shall not release the estate
of a joint Shareholder of any obligation in relation to a Share which is held
jointly. |
|
10.11. |
A person acquiring a right in Shares in consequence of being a custodian,
administrator of the estate, the heir of a Shareholder, a receiver, liquidator
or a trustee in a bankruptcy of a Shareholder or according to another provision
of the Law, is entitled, after providing evidence to his right, to the
satisfaction of the Board of Directors, to be registered as the Shareholder or
to transfer such Shares to another person, subject to the provisions of these
Articles of Association with respect to transfers. |
|
10.12. |
A person becoming entitled to a Share because of the death of a Shareholder
shall be entitled to receive, and to give receipts for, dividends or other
payments paid or distributions made, with respect to the Share, but shall not be
entitled to receive notices with respect to General Meetings of the Company or
to participate or vote therein with respect to that Share, or to exercise any
other right of a Shareholder, until he has been registered in the Shareholder
Register as the holder of that Share. |
10A. |
Limitations on Transfer of Shares |
12
|
10A.1. |
Exceptional Holdings shall be registered in the Register of Members (Shareholder
Register) together with a notation that such holdings have been classified as
Exceptional Holdings, immediately upon the Companys learning
of such matter. Notice of such registration shall be sent by the Company to the
registered holder of the Exceptional Holding and to the Minister of
Communications. |
|
10A.2. |
Exceptional Holdings, registered in the manner set forth in Article 10A.1, shall
not entitle the holder to any rights in respect to his holdings, and such
holdings shall be considered Dormant Shares within the meaning of
Section 308 of the Companies Law, except, however, that the holder of such
shares shall be entitled to receive dividends and other distributions to
shareholders (including the right to participate in a rights offering calculated
on the basis of Means of Control of the Company (as defined in the License),
provided, however, that such additional holdings shall be considered Exceptional
Holdings). Therefore, any action taken or claim made on the basis of a right
deriving from an Exceptional Holdings shall have no effect, except for the
receipt of dividends or other distribution as stated above. |
|
Without
derogating from the above: |
|
10A2.1 |
A Shareholder participating in a vote of the General Meeting will certify to the Company
prior to the vote or, if the vote is by Deed of Vote, on the Deed of Vote, as to whether
or not his holdings in the Company or his vote require consent pursuant to Sections 21 and
23 to the License; in the event the shareholder does not provide notification as
aforesaid, he shall not vote and his vote shall not be counted. |
|
10A.2.2 |
No Director shall be appointed, elected or removed on the basis of Exceptional Holdings.
In the event a Director is appointed, elected or removed from his position as a Director
as set forth above, such appointment, election or removal shall have no effect. |
|
10A.2.3 |
Exceptional Holdings shall have no voting rights at a General Meeting of the Company. |
|
For
the purposes of this Article 10A, Exceptional Holdings means the
holdings of Traded Means of Control held without the consent of the Minister of
Communications pursuant to Section 21 to the License or as a result of a breach of the
provisions of Section 23 to the License, and all holdings of a holder of Traded Means of
Control who acted contrary to the provisions of Section 24 to the License; and as long as
the consent of the Minister of Communications is required but has not been obtained
pursuant to Section 21 to the License, or the circumstances exist which constitute a
violation of the provisions of Sections 23 or 24 to the License. |
13
|
For
the purposes of this Article 10A, Traded Means of Control means Means
of Control (as defined in the License) including Global or American Depositary Shares
(GDRs or ADRs) or similar certificates, registered for trade on a securities exchange in
Israel or abroad or which have been offered to the public in connection with a prospectus,
and are held by the public in Israel or abroad. |
|
10A.3. |
The provisions of Article 10A shall not apply to those who were Shareholders of
the Company on the eve of the first registration of the Companys Shares
for trade. |
10B. |
Required
Minimum Holdings |
|
10B.1. |
Our License requires that Founding Shareholders hold Shares constituting at
least the Minimum Founding Shareholders Holding and that Founding Israeli
Shareholders hold Shares constituting at least the Minimum Israeli Holding. |
|
10B.2. |
Shares held by Founding Shareholders, to the extent such Shares constitute all
or a portion of the Minimum Founding Shareholders Holding, shall be registered
directly in the name of the Founding Shareholder in the shareholder register of
the Company, with a note indicating that such Shares are Minimum Founding
Shareholders Shares. Minimum Founding Shareholders Shares that are held by
Founding Israeli Shareholders, to the extent such Shares constitute all or a
portion of the Minimum Israeli Holding, shall also be recorded in the
shareholder register with a note indicating that such Shares are Minimum
Israeli Holding Shares. |
|
10B.3. |
No transfer by a Founding Shareholder of Minimum Founding Shareholder Shares or
by a Founding Israeli Shareholder of Minimum Israeli Holding Shares shall be
recorded in the Companys shareholder register, or have any effect, unless
the Companys Secretary shall have received written confirmation from the
Ministry of Communications that the transfer complies with section 21.8 of the
License. The Company Secretary may, in his or her discretion, refer any question
in connection with the recording of Minimum Founding Shareholders Shares or
Minimum Israeli Holding Shares, or their transfer, to the Companys audit
committee whose decision shall be binding on the Company. As a condition to any
transfer of Minimum Founding Shareholders Shares or Minimum Israeli Holding
Shares, the transferee shall be required to deliver to the Companys
Secretary (a) a share transfer deed that includes an undertaking by the
transferee to comply with all requirements of section 22A of the License and (b)
all information requested with respect to the transferees qualification as
a Founding Shareholder and/or a Founding Israeli Shareholder. |
14
11. |
Bearer
Share Certificate |
|
The
Company shall not issue bearer Share Certificates which grant the bearer rights in the
Shares specified therein. |
|
12.1. |
The Company shall have a first degree pledge on, and a right to create a lien
on, all Shares which are not fully paid and registered in the name of any
Shareholder, and the proceeds of their sale, with respect to moneys (which
payment time is due or not) whose payment was already called or are to be paid
up within a fixed time. Furthermore, the Company shall have a first degree
pledge right on all the Shares (other than Shares which were fully paid)
registered in the name of any Shareholder to secure the payment of moneys which
are due from him or from his property, whether with respect to his own debts or
debts jointly with others. The said pledge shall also apply to dividends,
declared from time to time, with respect to these Shares. |
|
12.2. |
For purposes of the realization of any such pledge and or lien, the Board of
Directors is entitled to sell the Shares which are the subject of the pledge or
lien, or any part of them, as it deems fit. No sale, as aforesaid, shall be
carried out, until the date fixed for the payment has passed and a notice in
writing was transferred to same Shareholder with respect to the intention of the
Company to sell them, on condition that the amounts were not paid within
fourteen days after the notice. |
|
12.3. |
The proceeds of any such sale, after deduction for the payment of the sale
expenses, shall serve for the covering of the debts or obligations of said
Shareholder, and the balance (if any) shall be paid to him. |
|
12.4. |
In the event that a sale of Shares was carried out pursuant to the realization
of a pledge or a lien, pursuant to the presumptive authority conferred above,
the Board of Directors is entitled to register such Shares in the Shareholder
Register in favor of the buyer, and the buyer shall not be under the obligation
to examine the fitness of such actions or the manner in which the purchase price
paid for such Shares was used. After the said Shares are registered in the
Shareholder Register in favor of the buyer, no person shall have the right to
object to the validity of the sale. |
13. |
Changes in the Share Capital |
|
The
General Meeting is entitled to take any of the following actions at all times, so long as
the resolution of the General Meeting is adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
13.1. |
Increasing
the Share Capital |
15
|
To
increase the share capital of the Company, regardless of whether all the Shares registered
at such a time were issued or not. The increased share capital shall be divided into
Shares having ordinary rights or preference rights or deferred rights or other special
rights (subject to the special rights of an existing class of Shares) or subject to
conditions and restrictions with respect to entitlement to dividend, return of capital,
voting or other conditions, as may be instructed by the General Meeting in a resolution
with respect to the increase of the share capital, and in the absence of a special
provision, according to the terms determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
To
divide the share capital of the Company into various classes of Shares, and to set and
change the rights attaching to each class of Shares, according to the conditions
specified below: |
|
13.2.1. |
So
long as it was not otherwise set in the Share allotment conditions, the rights
of any class may be changed pursuant to a resolution of the General Meeting of
the Shareholders of each class of Shares, separately, or upon the written
consent of all the Shareholders of all classes. |
|
13.2.2. |
The
rights conferred on the holders of Shares of a certain class shall not be
deemed to have been changed as a result of the creation or allotment of other
Shares having identical rights, unless it was otherwise stipulated in the
allotment conditions of said Shares. |
|
13.3. |
Amalgamation
and Redivision of the Share Capital |
|
To
amalgamate and redivide the share capital of the Company, entirely or partially, into
Shares having a higher or lesser par value than that stated in these Articles of
Association. In the event that in consequence of such amalgamation, there are
Shareholders left with fractions of Shares, the Board of Directors if approved by the
Shareholders at a General Meeting in adopting the resolution for amalgamation of the
capital, may agree as follows: |
|
13.3.1. |
To
sell the total of all the fractional shares and to appoint a trustee for this
purpose, in whose name Share Certificates representing the fractions shall be
issued, who will sell them, with the proceeds received after the deduction of
commissions and expenses to be distributed to those entitled. The Board of
Directors shall be entitled to decide that Shareholders who are entitled to
proceeds which are below an amount determined by it, shall not receive the
proceeds of the sale of the fractional shares, and their share in the proceeds
shall be distributed among the Shareholders who are entitled to proceeds, in an
amount greater than the amount that was determined, relative to the proceeds to
which they are entitled; |
16
|
13.3.2. |
To
allot to any Shareholder, who is left with a fractional Share following the
amalgamation, Shares of the class of Shares prior to the amalgamation, which
are fully paid, in such a number, the amalgamation of which together with the
fractional Share shall complete a whole Share, and an allotment as stated shall
be viewed as valid shortly before the amalgamation; |
|
13.3.3. |
To
determine that Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive a Share in
exchange for a fractional Share resulting from the amalgamation of a half or
smaller fraction of the number of Shares, whose amalgamation creates a single
Share, and they shall be entitled to receive a whole Share in exchange for a
fractional Share, resulting from the amalgamation of more than a half of the
number of Shares, whose amalgamation creates a whole Share. |
|
In
the event that an action pursuant to Articles 13.3.2 or 13.3.3 above requires the
allotment of additional Shares, their payment shall be effected in a manner similar to
that applicable the payment of bonus shares. An amalgamation and redivision, as aforesaid,
shall not be regarded as a change in the rights attaching to the Shares which are the
subject of the amalgamation and redivision. |
|
13.4. |
Cancellation
of Unissued Share Capital |
|
To
cancel registered share capital which has not been allotted or has been purchased by the
Company, so long as the Company is not under an obligation to allot these Shares. |
|
13.5. |
The
Division of the Share Capital |
|
To
divide the share capital of the Company, entirely or partially, into Shares having a lower
par value than those stated in these Articles of Association, by way of dividing the
Shares of the Company at such a time, entirely or partially. |
|
13.6. |
The
provisions specified in this Article 13 shall also apply to other equity
Securities of the Company, mutatis mutandis. |
17
Chapter Three
General Meetings
14. |
The
Authority of the General Meeting |
|
14.1. |
Subjects
within the authority of the General Meeting |
|
The
following matters shall require the approval of the General Meeting: |
|
14.1.1. |
Changes
in the Articles of Association, if adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.2. |
The
exercise of the authority of the Board of Directors, if resolved by a Special
Majority that the Board of Directors is incapable of exercising its authority,
and that the exercise of any of its authority is essential to the orderly
management of the Company. |
|
14.1.3. |
The
appointment or reappointment of the Companys auditor, the termination or
non-renewal of his service, and to the extent required by Law and not delegated
to the Board of Directors, the determination of his fee. |
|
14.1.4. |
The
appointment of Directors, including external Directors. |
|
14.1.5. |
To
the extent required by the provisions of Sections 255 and 268-275 of the
Companies Law, the approval of actions and transactions with interested parties
and also the approval of an action or a transaction of an officer which might
constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty. |
|
14.1.6. |
Changes
in the share capital of the Company, if adopted by a Special Majority as set
forth in Article 13 above. |
|
14.1.7. |
A
merger of the Company, as defined in the Companies Law except in the case the
approval of the General Meeting is not required under the Companies Law. |
|
14.1.8. |
Changes
in the objectives of the Company as set forth in Article 4 above, if adopted by
a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.9. |
Changes
in the name of the Company, if adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.10. |
Liquidation,
if adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.11. |
Settlements
or Arrangements pursuant to Section 350-351of the Companies Law. |
|
14.1.12. |
Any
other matters which applicable Law requires to be dealt with at General
Meetings of the Company. |
18
|
14.2. |
The
authority of the General Meeting to transfer authorities between corporate
organs. |
|
The
General Meeting, by a Special Majority, may assume the authority which is given to another
corporate organ, and may transfer the authority which is given to the General Manager to
the Board of Directors. |
|
The
taking or transferring of authorities, as aforesaid, shall be with regard to a specific
issue or for a specific period of time, all as stated in the resolution of the General
Meeting. |
15. |
Kinds
of General Meetings |
|
A
General Meeting shall be convened at least once a year, within fifteen months of the last
general meeting. The meeting shall be held at the registered offices of the Company,
unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. These General Meetings shall be
referred to as Annual Meetings. |
|
15.1.1. |
An
Annual Meeting shall be convened to review and consider the following: |
|
(One) |
The
Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors, as of December
31st of the calendar year preceding the year of the annual meeting. |
|
(Two) |
The
Report of the Board of Directors with respect to the fee paid to the Companys
auditor. |
|
15.1.2. |
The
Annual Meeting may be convened to adopt resolutions on the following matters: |
|
(One) |
The
appointment of Directors and the termination of their office in accordance with
Article 23 below. |
|
(Two) |
The
appointment of an auditor or the renewal of his office, and authorization of
the Board of Directors to determine his fee, subject to the provisions of
Article 29 below. |
|
(Three) |
Any
other matter, as determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
15.2. |
Extraordinary
Meetings |
|
General
Meetings of the Shareholders of the Company, which are not convened in accordance with the
provisions of Article 15.1 above, shall be referred to as Extraordinary
Meetings. An Extraordinary Meeting shall discuss and decide in all matters which are
not discussed and decided in the Annual Meeting, and for which the Extraordinary Meeting
was convened. |
19
|
The
provisions of these Articles of Association with respect to General Meetings shall apply,
mutatis mutandis, to meetings of a class of Shareholders of the Company. |
16. |
The
Holding of General Meetings |
|
16.1. |
The
Convening of the Annual Meeting |
|
The
Board of Directors shall convene Annual Meetings in accordance with the provisions of
Article 15.1 above. |
|
16.2. |
The
Convening of an Extraordinary Meeting |
|
The
Board of Directors may convene an Extraordinary Meeting, as it decides, provided, however,
that it shall be obligated to convene an Extraordinary Meeting upon the demand of one of
the following: |
|
16.2.1. |
Any
two Directors or a quarter of the Directors, whichever is lower; or |
|
16.2.2. |
any
one or more Shareholders, holding alone or together at least 4.99% of the
issued share capital of the Company. |
|
16.3. |
Date
of Convening an Extraordinary Meeting Upon Demand |
|
The
Board of Directors, which is required to convene a general meeting in accordance with
Article 16.2 above shall announce the convening of the General Meeting within twenty-one
(21) days from the receipt of a demand in that respect, and the date fixed for the meeting
shall not be more than thirty-five (35) days from the publication date of the announcement
of the General Meeting. |
|
In
the event that the Board of Directors shall not have convened an Extraordinary Meeting, as
required in this Article, those demanding its convening or half of the Shareholders which
demand it subject to Article 16.2.2, are entitled to convene the meeting themselves, so
long as it is convened within three months from the date on which the demand was filed,
and it shall be convened, inasmuch as possible, in the same manner by which meetings are
convened by the Board of Directors. In the event that a General Meeting is convened as
aforesaid, the Company shall bear the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by those
demanding it. |
20
|
16.5. |
Contents
of the Notice |
|
Subject
to the provisions of any Law, a notice with respect to a general meeting shall specify the
agenda of the meeting, the location, the proposed resolutions and also the arrangements
for voting by means of a deed of voting or a deed of authorization, and the requirements
of Article 10A.2.1. |
|
Any
notice to be sent to the Shareholders shall also include a draft of the proposed
resolutions or a concise description of their particulars. |
17. |
The
Agenda of General Meetings |
|
17.1. |
The
agenda of the General Meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors
and shall also include issues for which an Extraordinary Meeting is being
convened in accordance with Article 15.2 above, or demanded in accordance
with Article 17.2 below. |
|
17.2. |
One
or more Shareholders holding alone or in the aggregate, 4.99% or more of the
share capital of the Company may request that the Board of Directors
include an issue on the agenda of a general meeting to be convened in the
future. The Board of Directors shall incorporate such issue on the agenda
of such a future general meeting, provided that the Board of Directors
determines, in its discretion, such issue is suitable to be discussed in
the General Meeting of the Company. |
|
17.3. |
The
General Meeting shall only adopt resolutions on issues which are on its
agenda. |
|
17.4. |
So
long the Law does not otherwise prescribe it, the General Meeting is entitled
to accept or reject a proposed resolution which is on the agenda of the
General Meeting or to change it, if the change is insignificant, or if the
change may only benefit the Company, or if the change is permitted under
the Law. |
18. |
Discussions
in General Meetings |
|
No
discussion shall be held in the General Meeting unless a lawful quorum is present. Subject
to the requirements of the applicable Law in force at the time these Articles of
Association come into force, the rules of the Nasdaq National Market, the London Stock
Exchange and any other exchange on which the Companys securities are or may become
quoted or listed, and the provisions of these Articles, any two Shareholders, present by
themselves or by means of a proxy, or who have delivered to the Company a Deed of Voting
indicating their manner of voting, and who hold or represent at least one-third of the
voting rights in the Company shall constitute a lawful quorum. A Shareholder or his proxy,
who may also serve as a proxy for other Shareholders, shall be regarded as two
Shareholders or more, in accordance with the number of Shareholders he is representing. |
21
|
18.2. |
Deferral
of the General Meeting in the Absence of Lawful Quorum |
|
In
the event that a legal quorum is not present after the lapsing of 30 minutes from the time
specified in the convening notice for the commencement of the meeting, the meeting may be
adjourned to the same day of the following week (or the first business day thereafter) at
the same time and venue, or to another time and venue, as determined by the Board of
Directors in a notice to the Shareholders, and the adjourned meeting shall discuss the
same issues for which the original meeting was convened. If at the adjourned meeting, a
legal quorum is not present at the time specified for the commencement of the meeting,
then and in such event one or more Shareholders holding or representing in the aggregate
at least 10% of the voting rights in the Company shall be deemed to form a proper quorum,
subject to the provisions of Section 79 of the Companies Law. |
|
18.3. |
The
Chairman of the General Meeting |
|
The
chairman of the Board of Directors (if appointed) shall preside at each General Meeting.
In the absence of the chairman, or if he fails to appear at the meeting within 15 minutes
after the time fixed for the meeting, the Shareholders present at the meeting shall choose
any one of the Directors of the Company as the chairman, and if there is no Director
present at the meeting, one of the Shareholders shall be chosen to preside over the
meeting. The chairman shall not have an additional vote or casting vote. |
|
Upon
adoption of a resolution at a General Meeting at which a lawful quorum is present, the
chairman may and upon demand of the General Meeting shall adjourn the General Meeting, or
the discussion or a proposed resolution which is on the agenda of the General Meeting,
from time to time and from venue to venue, as the meeting may decide (for the purpose of
this Article: an Adjourned Meeting). In the event that a meeting is adjourned
a notice of the Adjourned Meeting shall be given only if necessary under the Law and/or
any relevant stock exchange rules applicable to the Company. With the exception of the
aforesaid, a Shareholder shall not be entitled to receive notice of an Adjourned Meeting
or of the issues, which are to be discussed in the Adjourned Meeting. The Adjourned
Meeting shall only discuss issues that could have been discussed at the General Meeting
which was adjourned. The provisions of Articles 17.1, 17.2 and 17.3 of the Articles of
Association shall apply to an Adjourned Meeting and subject to the applicable Law and/or
any relevant stock exchange rules applicable to the Company. |
22
19. |
Voting
of the Shareholders |
|
In
any General Meeting, a proposed resolution shall be adopted if it receives an Ordinary
Majority, or any other majority of votes set by Law or in accordance with these Articles
of Association. For the avoidance of doubt, any proposed resolution requiring a Special
Majority under the Companies Ordinance shall continue to require the same Special Majority
even after the effective date of the Companies Law. |
|
In
the event of a tie vote, the resolution shall be deemed rejected. |
|
19.2.1. |
The
checking of the majority shall be carried out by means of a count of votes, at
which each Shareholder shall be entitled to vote in each case in accordance
with rights fixed for such Shares, subject to Articles 10A above and Article 44
below. A Shareholder shall be entitled to a single vote for each share he holds
which is fully paid or that Calls of Payment in respect of which was fully
paid. |
|
19.2.2. |
The
announcement of the chairman that a resolution in the General Meeting was
adopted or rejected, whether unanimously or with a specific majority, shall be
regarded as prima facie evidence thereof. |
|
19.5. |
A
Right to Participate and Vote |
|
A
Shareholder shall not be entitled to participate and vote in any General Meeting or to be
counted among those present, so long as (i) he owes the Company a payment which was called
for the Shares held by him, unless the allotment conditions of the Shares provide
otherwise, and/or (ii) his holdings are registered in the Shareholder Register together
with a notation that such holdings have been classified as Exceptional Holdings, as
defined in Article 10A or Affected Shares, as defined in Article 44. |
23
|
19.6. |
Personal
Interest in Resolutions |
|
A
Shareholder seeking to vote with respect to a resolution which requires that the majority
for its adoption include at least a third of the votes of all those not having a personal
interest (as defined in the Companies Law) in the resolution shall notify the registered
office of the Company before the General Meeting, whether he has a personal interest in
the resolution or not, as a condition for his right to vote and be counted with respect to
such resolution. |
|
A
Shareholder voting on a resolution, as aforesaid, by means of a Deed of Vote, may include
his notice with regard to his personal interest on the Deed of Vote. |
|
19.7. |
The
Disqualification of Deeds of Vote |
|
Subject
to the provisions of applicable Law, the corporate secretary of the Company may, in his
discretion, disqualify deed of vote (hereinafter: Deeds of Vote) and deed of
authorization (hereinafter: Deeds of Authorization) and so notify the
Shareholder who submitted a Deed of Vote or Deeds of Authorization in the following cases: |
|
19.7.1. |
If
there is a reasonable suspicion that they are forged; |
|
19.7.2. |
If
there is a reasonable suspicion that they are falsified, or given with respect
to Shares for which one or more Deeds of Vote or deeds of authorization have
been given and not withdrawn; or |
|
19.7.3. |
If
there is no note on the Deed of Vote or Deed of Authorization as to whether or
not his holding in the Company or his vote require the consent of the Minister
of Communications pursuant to Sections 21 and 23 to the License. |
|
19.7.4. |
With
respect to Deeds of Vote: |
|
(One) |
If
more than one choice is marked for the same resolution; or |
|
(Two) |
With
respect to resolutions which require that the majority for their adoption
includes a third of the votes of those not having a personal interest in the
approval of the resolution, where it was not marked whether the relevant
Shareholder has a personal interest or not, as aforesaid. |
|
Any
Shareholder shall be entitled to appeal on any such disqualification to the Board of
Directors at least one Business Day prior to the relevant General Meeting. |
24
|
19.8. |
The
Voting of a Person without Legal Capacity |
|
A
person without legal capacity is entitled to vote only by means of a trustee or a legal
custodian. Such trustee or legal custodian may vote in person, by Deed of Vote or by
means of a proxy. |
|
19.9. |
The
Voting of Joint Holders of a Share |
|
Where
two or more Shareholders are registered joint holders of a Share, only the first named
joint holder shall vote, either in person or by means of a proxy or by means of a Deed of
Vote, without taking into account the other registered joint holders of the Share. For
this purpose, the first named joint holder shall be the person whose name is registered
first in the Shareholder Register. |
|
19.10. |
Minutes
of the General Meeting |
|
The
chairman of the General Meeting shall cause that the minutes of each General Meeting
shall be properly maintained and shall include the following: |
|
19.10.1. |
The
name of each Shareholder present in person, by Deed of Vote or by proxy and
the number of Shares held or represented by him; |
|
19.10.2. |
The
principal issues of the discussion, all the resolutions which were adopted
or rejected at the General Meeting, and if adopted according to
what majority. |
20. |
The
Appointment of a Proxy |
|
20.1. |
Voting
by Means of a Proxy |
|
A
Shareholder registered in the Shareholder Register is entitled to appoint by Deed of
Authorization a proxy to participate and vote in his stead, whether at a certain General
Meeting or generally at General Meetings of the Company, whether personally or by means
of a Deed of Vote, so long as the Deed of Authorization with respect to the appointment
of the proxy was delivered to the Company at least two Business Days prior to the date of
the General Meeting. |
|
In
the event that the deed of authorization is not limited to a certain General Meeting,
then the deed of authorization, which was deposited prior to a certain General Meeting,
shall also be good for other General Meetings thereafter. This Article 20 shall also
apply to a Shareholder which is a corporation, appointing a person to participate and
vote in a General Meeting in its stead. A proxy is not required to be a Shareholder of
the Company. |
|
20.2. |
The
Draft of the Deed of Authorization |
|
The
Deed of Authorization shall be signed by the Shareholder and shall be in or substantially
in the form specified below or any such other form acceptable to the Board of Directors
of the Company. The corporate secretary, in his discretion, may accept a Deed of
Authorization differing from that set forth below provided the changes are immaterial. |
25
|
The
corporate secretary shall only accept either an original Deed of Authorization, or a copy
of the deed of authorization which is certified by a lawyer having an Israeli license or
a notary. |
Deed of Authorization
Date: ________
To: |
Partner
Communications Company Ltd. |
Attn.: |
Corporate
Secretary |
Re: [Annual/Extraordinary] General Meeting of the Company
to be Held On __________________
I,
the undersigned _________________, Identification No. / Registration No. _____________, of
________________, being the registered holder of ________ (*) Shares [Ordinary Shares
having a par value of NIS 0.01, each], hereby authorize ___________, Identification No.
___________ (**) and/or ___________, Identification No. ___________ and/or ___________,
Identification No. ___________ to participate and vote in my stead and on my behalf at the
referenced meeting and in any adjournment of the referenced meeting of the Company / at
any General Meeting of the Company, until I shall otherwise notify you .
Signature
(*) |
A
Shareholder is entitled to give several deeds of authorization, each of which
refers to a different quantity of Shares of the Company held by him, so
long as he shall not give deeds of authorization with respect to an
aggregate number of Shares exceeding the total number he holds. |
(**) |
In
the event that the proxy does not hold an Israeli Identification number,
indicate a passport number, if any, and the name of the country which
issued the passport. |
|
20.3. |
A
vote in accordance with a deed of authorization shall be lawful even if prior
to it, the appointer died or became incapacitated or bankrupt, or if it is
a corporation was liquidated, or if he cancelled the deed of
authorization or transferred the Share in respect of which it was given,
unless a notice in writing was received at the Office of the Company prior
to the meeting with respect to the occurrence of such an event. |
|
21.1. |
A
Shareholder may vote in a General Meeting by means of a Deed of Vote on the
issues specified below, unless the Company is entitled by Law to a partial
or full exemption from the requirement for the delivery of Deeds of Vote,
either generally or specifically: |
26
|
21.1.1. |
The
appointment and dismissal of Directors. |
|
21.1.2. |
The
approval of actions with interested parties, subject to sections 268-275 of
the Companies Law. |
|
21.1.3. |
The
approval of an action by an officer which conflicts with his duty of loyalty
toward the Company, subject to Section 255 of the Companies Law. |
|
21.1.4. |
A
merger subject to Section 320 of the Companies Law. |
|
21.1.5. |
Any
issue which the Articles of Association provide can be voted thereon by
means of a Deed of Vote. |
|
21.1.6. |
Other
issues prescribed by Law. |
|
21.2. |
The
Draft of the Deed of Vote |
|
The
Deed of Vote shall be signed by the Shareholder and shall be in or substantially in the
form specified below, or any such other form acceptable to the Board of Directors of the
Company. The corporate secretary or any one authorized by the Board of Directors to
convene the meeting, shall be entitled to amend the form of the Deed of Vote in
accordance with the resolutions on the agenda. |
27
Deed of Vote
Date: ________
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
[Address of the Company]
Re: [Annual/Extraordinary] General Meeting of the Shareholders
to be on ___________________
I, the undersigned _________________,
Identification No. / Registration No. _____________, of ________________, being the
registered holder / the holder an appropriate Deed of Authorization, attached hereto (*)
of ________ (**) Ordinary Shares having a par value of NIS 0.01 each, hereby notify you
that my vote in the General Meeting and in any adjourned meeting of the Company is as
specified below.
Item No. of the
Resolution on the
Agenda |
Subject of the
Resolution |
Vote (***) |
Personal Interest of the
Shareholder in the Resolution
(****) |
|
|
In Favor |
Abstain |
Against |
Yes |
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
I,
the undersigned, hereby declare that either my holdings or my vote require the consent of
the Minister of Communications pursuant to Sections 21 or 23 to the License. (*****) |
o
|
I,
the undersigned, hereby declare that neither my holdings nor my vote, require the consent
of the Minister of Communications pursuant to Sections 21 or 23 to the License. (*****) |
(*) |
In
the event that the Shares are held by means of a Registration Company, a
power of attorney on behalf of the Registration Company should be
enclosed and the Deed of Vote should be signed. |
(**) |
In
the event that a Shareholder wishes to vote in a different manner with
respect to each part of his Shares, a separate Deed of Vote should be
filed for each quantity of Shares in respect of which he intends to
vote differently. |
28
(***) |
An
X should be marked in the appropriate column and with respect to
each resolution. In the event that more than one choice are marked
for a certain resolution, the vote in respect of that resolution
shall be disqualified. |
(****) |
In
resolutions for which a majority which includes a third of the votes of those
not having a personal interest in the transaction is required for
adoption, an X should be marked in the appropriate column. If an X is
not marked in either column, the vote in respect of the same
resolution shall be disqualified. |
(*****)An |
X should
be marked in the appropriate column. If an X is not marked in either column, or if an X
is marked in both column, the vote shall be disqualified. |
|
21.3. |
The
Sending of a Deed of Vote |
|
The
Deed of Vote shall be sent by the Company to the Shareholders who are registered in the
Shareholder Register of the Company and who are entitled to vote in the General Meeting,
together with the notice with respect to General Meetings. |
|
The
Deed of Vote shall be sent by the Company and at its expense. |
|
21.4. |
Manner
of Use of the Deed of Vote |
|
A
duly executed Deed of Vote which was received at the Office of the Company at least two
Business Days prior to the date of the General Meeting shall constitute the participation
and voting of the Shareholder who has delivered it, for each and every purpose, including
for the purpose of determining the lawful quorum at a meeting. A Deed of Vote received by
the Company, in accordance with this Article, with respect to a certain issue, at which
voting in the General Meeting did not take place, shall be viewed as an abstain with
respect to the resolution to adjourn the meeting and, at the adjourned meeting, shall be
voted in accordance with the manner set forth therein. |
|
21.6. |
This
Article 21, shall become effective only when Sections 87-89 of the
Companies Law come into effect. Nevertheless, the Company may issue Proxy
statements and Proxy cards to Shareholders, who may vote in a general
meeting by means of Proxy cards even before this Article shall become
effective. |
Chapter Four
The Board of Directors
22. |
The
Authority of the Board of Directors |
|
22.1. |
The
authority of the Board of Directors is as specified both in the Law and in
the provisions of these Articles of Association. |
|
22.2. |
Signature
Authority and Powers of Attorney |
29
|
22.2.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall determine the person(s) with authority to sign for
and on behalf of the Company with respect to various issues. The signature
of such person(s), appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors,
whether generally or for a specific issue, whether alone or together with
others, or together with the seal or the stamp of the Company or its
printed name, shall bind the Company, subject to the terms and conditions
set by the Board of Directors. |
|
22.2.2. |
The
Board of Directors may set separate signature authorities with respect to
different issues and different amounts. |
|
22.2.3. |
The
Board of Directors may, from time to time, authorize any person to be the
representative of the Company with respect to those objectives and subject
to those conditions and for that time period, as the Board of Directors
deems fit. The Board of Directors may also grant any representative the
authority to delegate any or all of the authorities, powers and discretion
given to the Board of Directors. |
|
22.3. |
The
Registered Office of the Company |
|
The
Board of Directors shall fix the location of the Office of the Company. |
23. |
The
Appointment of Directors and the Termination of Their Office |
|
23.1. |
The
Number of Directors |
|
The
number of Directors in the Company shall not be less than seven (7) or more than
seventeen (17). |
|
23.2. |
The
Identity of a Director |
|
23.2.1. |
A
member of the Board of Directors may hold another position with the Company. |
|
23.2.2. |
A
corporation may serve as a Director in the Company, subject to the provisions
of Article 23.6 below. |
|
23.2.3. |
For
as long as any individual or an entity which is an Interested Party in the
Company is also an Interested Party in Cellcom (Israel) Ltd. (hereinafter
Cellcom), such Interested Party or an Office Holder of an
Interested Party in Cellcom or an Office Holder of any entity controlled
by an Interested Party in Cellcom (other than Elron Electronic Industries
Ltd (Elron) or an entity controlled by Elron) will not serve
as an Office Holder of the Company, and no Interested Party in Cellcom or
any entity controlled by such Interested Party, may appoint more than two
Directors to the Board of Directors of the Company. For the purposes of
this Article, the terms control, Interested Party and
Office Holder shall bear the same meaning as in, and shall be
interpreted in accordance with, the License. |
30
|
23.2.4. |
The
Board of Directors shall include independent and/or external Directors
required to comply with the applicable requirements of any Law, the Nasdaq
Stock Market, the London Stock Exchange and any other investment exchange
on which the securities of the Company are or may become quoted or listed.
The requirements of the Companies Law applicable to an external Director (Dahatz)
shall prevail over the provisions of these Articles of Association to the
extent these Articles of Associations are inconsistent with the Companies
Law, and shall apply to the extent these Articles of Associations are
silent. |
|
23.2.5. |
At
least 10% of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be
comprised of Qualified Israeli Directors. Notwithstanding the above, if
the board is comprised of up to 14 members, one Qualified Israeli Director
shall be sufficient, and if the board is comprised of between 15 and 24
members, two Qualified Israeli Directors shall be sufficient. |
|
23.2.6. |
Notwithstanding
any other provision of these Articles, a Qualified Israeli Director shall
be appointed as a member of the Board of Directors, and may be removed
from such office, only upon written notice to the Company Secretary of his
or her appointment or removal by the Founding Israeli Shareholders holding
Minimum Israeli Holding Shares. For purposes of this section, a notice
signed by at least two of the Founding Israeli Shareholders who are the
record holders of at least 50% of Minimum Israeli Holding Shares shall be
deemed to be sufficient notice on behalf of all holders of Minimum Israeli
Holding Shares. |
|
23.3. |
The
Election of Directors and their Terms of Office |
|
23.3.1. |
The
Directors shall be elected at each Annual Meeting and shall serve in office
until the close of the next Annual Meeting, unless their office becomes
vacant earlier in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of
Association. Each Director of the Company shall be elected by an Ordinary
Majority at the Annual Meeting; provided, however, that external Directors
shall be elected in accordance with applicable law and/or any relevant
stock exchange rule applicable to the Company. The elected Directors shall
commence their terms from the close of the Annual Meeting at which they
are elected, unless a later date is stated in the resolution with respect
to their appointment. |
|
23.3.2. |
In
each Annual Meeting, the Directors that were elected in the previous Annual
Meeting, and thereafter, in any Extraordinary Meeting shall be deemed to
have resigned from their office. A resigning Director may be reelected. |
31
|
23.3.3. |
Notwithstanding
the other provisions of these Articles of Association and without
derogating from Article 23.4, an Extraordinary Meeting of the Company may
elect any person as a Director, to fill an office which became vacant or to
serve as an external Director (Dahatz) or an independent Director
and also in any event in which the number of the members of the Board of
Directors is less than the minimum set in the Articles of Association. Any
Director elected in such manner (excluding an external Director (Dahatz)
shall serve in office until the coming Annual Meeting, unless his office
becomes vacant earlier in accordance with the provisions of these Articles
of Association and may be reelected. |
|
23.3.4. |
An
elected external Director (Dahatz) shall commence his term from the
date of, and shall serve for the period stated in, the resolution of the
General Meeting at which he was elected, notwithstanding Article 23.3
above, unless his office becomes vacant earlier in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Law. A General Meeting may reelect an external
Director (Dahatz) for additional term(s) as permitted by the
Companies Law. |
|
23.4. |
The
election of Directors by the Board of Directors |
|
The
Board of Directors shall have the right, at all times, upon approval of at least 75% of
the Directors of the Company, to elect any person as a Director, to fill an office which
became vacant, and also in any event in which the number of the members of the Board of
Directors is less than the minimum set in the Articles of Association. Any Director
elected in such manner shall serve in office until the coming Annual Meeting and may be
reelected. |
|
Any
Director may, from time to time, appoint for himself an alternate Director (hereinafter:
the Alternate Director) and dismiss such Alternate Director whether for a
certain meeting or generally, all in accordance with any applicable Law. |
|
23.6. |
Representatives
of a Director that is a Corporation |
|
A
Director that is a corporation shall appoint an individual, qualified to be appointed as
a Director in the Company, in order to serve on its behalf, either generally or for a
certain meeting, or for a certain period of time and the said corporation may also
dismiss that individual and appoint another in his stead (hereinafter: Representatives
of a Director). |
|
23.7. |
Manner
of Appointment or Dismissal of an Alternate Director or a Representative
of a Director that is a Corporation |
32
|
Any
appointment or dismissal of Representatives of Directors, when such Directors are
corporations, or of Alternate Directors, shall be made by means of a notice in writing to
the corporate secretary, signed by the appointing or dismissing body and shall become
valid upon the date indicated in the appointment or dismissal notice or upon the date of
its delivery to the corporate secretary, whichever is the later. |
|
23.9. |
Termination
of the Term of a Director |
|
The
term of a Director shall be terminated in any of the following cases: |
|
23.9.1. |
If
he resigns from his office by way of a signed letter, filed with the
corporate secretary at the Companys Office; |
|
23.9.2. |
If
he is declared bankrupt or if he reaches a settlement with his creditors
within the framework of bankruptcy procedures; |
|
23.9.3. |
If
he is declared by an appropriate court to be incapacitated; |
|
23.9.4. |
Upon
his death and, in the event of a corporation, if a resolution has been
adopted for its voluntary liquidation or a liquidation order has been
issued to it; |
|
23.9.5. |
If
he is removed from his office by way of a resolution, adopted by the General
Meeting of the Company, even prior to the completion of his term of
office; |
|
23.9.6. |
If
he is convicted of a crime, as stated in Section 232 of the Companies Law; or |
|
23.9.7. |
If
his term is terminated by the Board of Directors in accordance with the
provisions of Section 231 of the Companies Law. |
|
23.10. |
The
Implications on the Board of Directors of the Termination of the Term of a
Director. |
33
|
In
the event that an office of a Director becomes vacant, the remaining Directors are
entitled to continue operating, so long as their number has not decreased below the
minimum number of Directors set forth in Article 23.1. |
|
In
the event that the number of Directors decreased below that minimum number, the remaining
Directors shall be entitled to act solely for the convening of a General Meeting of the
Company for the purpose of electing additional Directors to the Board of Directors. |
|
23.11. |
Compensation
of Members of the Board of Directors |
|
Members
of the Board of Directors who do not hold other positions in the Company and who are not
external Directors shall not receive any compensation from the Company, unless such
compensation is approved by the General Meeting and according to the amount determined by
the General Meeting, subject to the provisions of the Law. |
|
The
compensation of the Directors may be fixed, as an all-inclusive payment or as payment for
participation in meetings or in any combination thereof. |
|
The
Company may reimburse expenses incurred by a Director in connection with the performance
of his office, to the extent provided in a resolution of the Board of Directors. |
|
24.1. |
Convening
Meetings of the Board of Directors |
|
24.1.1. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors may convene a meeting of the Board of
Directors at any time. |
|
24.1.2. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall convene a meeting of the Board of
Directors at least four times a year, in a manner allowing the Company to
fulfil the provisions of the Law with respect to the publication of
Financial Statements and reporting to the public. |
|
24.1.3. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall convene a meeting of the Board of
Directors on a specific issue if requested by at least two Directors or
one Director, if he is an external Director, within no more than 14 days
from the date of the request. |
|
24.1.4. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall act forthwith for the convening of
a meeting of the Board of Directors, within 14 days from the time that a
Director in the Company has informed him of a matter related to the
Company in which there is an apparent violation of the Law or a breach of
proper management of the business, or from the time that the auditor of
the Company has reported to him that he had become aware of material flaws
in the accounting oversight of the Company. |
34
|
24.1.5. |
In
the event that a notice or a report of the General Manager requires an action
of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors shall
forthwith convene a meeting of the Board of Directors, which should be
held within 14 days from the date of the notice or the report. |
|
24.2. |
Convening
of a Meeting of the Board of Directors |
|
24.2.1. |
Any
notice with respect to a meeting of the Board of Directors may be given in
writing, so long as the notice is given at least 14 days prior to the date
fixed for the meeting, unless all the members of the Board of Directors or
their Alternate Directors or their representatives agree on a shorter time
period. A notice, as stated, shall be delivered in writing or transmitted
via facsimile or E-mail or through another means of communication, to the
address or facsimile number or to the E-mail address or to an address
where messages can be delivered through other means of communication, as
the case may be, as the Director informed the corporate secretary, upon
his appointment, or by means of a written notice to the corporate
secretary thereafter. |
|
A
notice, which was delivered or transmitted, as provided in this Article, shall be deemed
to be personally delivered to the Director on its delivery date. |
|
24.2.2. |
In
the event that a Director appointed an Alternate Director or a
representative, the notice shall be delivered to the Alternate Director or
the representative, unless the Director instructed that the notice should
be delivered to him as well. |
|
24.2.3. |
The
notice shall include the venue, date and time of the meeting of the Board of
Directors, arrangements with respect to the manner of management of the
meeting (in cases where telecommunications are used), the details of the
issues on its agenda and any other material that the chairman of the Board
of Directors requests be attached to the summoning notice with respect to
the meeting. |
|
24.3. |
The
Agenda of Meetings of Board of Directors |
|
The
agenda of meetings of the Board of Directors shall be determined by the chairman of the
Board of Directors and shall include the following issues: |
|
24.3.1. |
Issues
determined by the chairman of the Board of Directors. |
35
|
24.3.2. |
Issues
for which the meeting is convened in accordance with Article 24.1 above. |
|
24.3.3. |
Any
issue requested by a Director or by the General Manager within a reasonable
time prior to the date of the meeting of the Board of Directors (taking
into account the nature of the issue). |
|
The
quorum for meetings of the Board of Directors shall be a majority of the Directors, which
must include one external Director. |
|
24.5. |
Conducting
a Meeting Through Means of Communication |
|
The
Board of Directors may conduct a meeting of the Board of Directors through the use of any
means of communications, provided all of the participating Directors can hear each other
simultaneously. |
|
24.6. |
Voting
in the Board of Directors |
|
Subject
to Article 23.4 and Article 44, issues presented at meetings of the Board of Directors
shall be decided upon by a majority of the votes of the Directors present (or
participating, in the case of a vote through a permitted means of communications) and
voting, with respect to Alternate Directors and representatives of Directors that are
corporations. |
|
Each
Director shall have a single vote. |
|
24.7. |
Written
Resolutions |
|
A
written resolution without a Meeting of the Board shall be deemed as a resolution
lawfully adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors if all the Directors who may
participate in such resolution, agreed not to have a meeting in respect of the matter.
Such a resolution may be made in several copies of the same Document, each of them signed
by the Chairman of the Board of Directors. |
|
24.8. |
Resolutions
Approved by Means of Communications |
|
A
resolution approved by use of a means of communications by the Directors shall be deemed
to be a resolution lawfully adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors, and the
provisions of Article 24.6 above shall apply to the said resolution. |
|
24.9. |
The
Validity of Actions of the Directors |
|
All
actions taken in good faith in a meeting of the Board of Directors or by a committee of
the Board of Directors or by any person acting as a Director shall be valid, even if it
subsequently transpires that there was a flaw in the appointment of such a Director or
person acting as such, or if any of them were disqualified, as if any such person was
lawfully appointed and was qualified to serve as a Director. |
36
|
24.10. |
Minutes
of Meetings of the Board of Directors |
|
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall cause that the minutes of meetings of the Board
of Directors shall be properly maintained and shall include the following: |
|
24.10.1. |
Names
of those present and participating at each meeting. |
|
24.10.2. |
All
the resolutions and particulars of the discussion of said meetings. |
|
Any
such minutes signed by the chairman of the Board of Directors presiding over that meeting
or by the chairman of the Board of Directors at the following meeting, shall be viewed as
prima facie evidence of the issues recorded in the minutes. |
25. |
Committees
of the Board of Directors |
|
25.1. |
Subject
to the provisions of the Companies Law, the Board of Directors may
delegate its authorities or any part of them to committees, as they deem
fit, and they may from time to time cancel the delegation of such an
authority. Any such committee, while utilizing an authority as stated, is
obligated to fulfil all of the instructions given to it from time to time
by the Board of Directors. |
|
25.2. |
Subject
to the provisions of the Companies Law, each committee of the Board of
Directors shall consist of at least two members with the exception of the
audit committee which shall consist of at least three (3) Directors, and
all of the external Directors of the Company shall be members of it. A
committee of the Board of Directors may include members who are not
Directors, provided that, it is authorized only to recommend or to advise
the Board of Directors. |
|
25.3. |
The
provisions with respect to meetings of the Board of Directors shall apply to
the meetings and discussions of each committee of the Board of Directors,
with the appropriate changes, provided that no other terms are set by the
Board of Directors in this matter, and provided that the lawful quorum for
the meetings of the committee, as stated, shall be at least a majority of
the members of the committee, unless otherwise required by Law. |
25A. |
Committee
for Security Matters |
|
25A.1. |
Notwithstanding
any other provision in these Articles, the Board of Directors shall
appoint from among its members who have security clearance and security
compatibility to be determined by the General Security Service (Directors
with Clearance) a committee to be designated the Committee for
Security Matters. The members of the Committee for Security Matters
shall include at least four (4) Directors with Clearance including at
least one external director. Subject to section 25A.2 below, security
matters shall be considered only in the context of the Committee for
Security Matters. Any decision of, or action by the Committee for Security
Matters shall have the same effect as if it had been made or taken by the
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consider a security
matter only if required pursuant to section 25A.2 below, and subject to
the terms of that section. For purposes of this section 25A, security
matters shall be defined in the same manner as defined in the Bezeq
Order (Determination of Essential Service Provided by Bezeq-The Israeli
Telecommunications Company Ltd.), 1997, as of March 9, 2005. |
37
|
25A.2. |
Security
matters which the audit committee or board of directors shall be required
to consider in accordance with the mandatory rules of the Companies Law or
other Law applicable to the Company, shall be considered to the extent
necessary only by Directors with Clearance. Other Directors shall not be
entitled to participate in meetings of the audit committee or board of
directors dealing with security matters, or to receive information or
documents related to these matters. A quorum for these meetings shall
include only Directors with Clearance. |
|
25A.3. |
Any
director or officer of the Company who would otherwise be required to receive
information or participate in meetings by virtue of his or her position or
these Articles or any Law, but who is prevented from doing so by the provisions
of this Article 25A, will be released from any liability for any claim of
breach of duty of care to the Company which results from her or his inability
to receive information or participate in meetings, and the Company shall
indemnify any such director or officer and hold her or him harmless to the
maximum extent permitted by law for any injury or damage she or he incurs as a
result of the inability to receive such information or participate in such
meetings. |
|
25A.4. |
The
shareholders at a general meeting shall not be entitled to assume, delegate,
transfer or exercise any of the authorities granted to any other corporate body
in the Company with respect to security matters. |
|
25A.5. |
(1)
The Minister of Communications shall be entitled to appoint an observer (the
Security Observer) to all meetings of the board of directors and
its committees. The Security Observer shall have the security clearance and
security compatibility to be determined by the General Security Service. |
|
|
(2) The
Security Observer shall be an employee of the State of Israel qualified to
serve as a director pursuant to Chapter C of the Government Companies Law,
1975. |
38
|
|
(3) In
addition to any other obligations under Law, the Security Observer shall be
bound to preserve the confidentiality of [information relating to] the
Company, except as required to fulfill his responsibilities as an
observer. The Security Observer will not act as an observer or in any
other position at a competitor of the Company, and will avoid a conflict
between his position as an observer and the interests of the Company. The
Security Observer shall undertake not to serve as an observer or officer
or director, and not serve in any other capacity or be employed, directly
or indirectly, by any entity competing with the Company or in a position
of conflict of interest with the Company during the period of his service
as the Security Observer and for two years after termination of such
period. |
|
|
(4) Notices
of meetings of the board of directors and its committees, including of the
Committee for Security Matters, shall be delivered to the Security Observer,
and he shall be entitled to participate in each such meeting. |
|
|
(5) The
Security Observer shall have the same right to obtain information from the
Company as that of a Director. If the Company believes that specific
information requested is commercially sensitive and not required by the
Security Observer for fulfillment of his duties, the Company may delay
delivery of the information upon notice to the Security Observer. If the
Security Observer still believes the information is needed for his duties,
the matter shall be brought for decision to the head of the General
Security Service. |
|
|
(6) If
the Security Observer believes that the Company has made a decision, or is
about to make a decision, in a security matter, which conflicts with a
provision of the License or section 13 of the Communications Law
(Telecommunications and Broadcasting), 1982 or section 11 of the General
Security Service Law, 2002, he shall promptly notify the Company in
writing. Said notice shall be delivered to the chairman of the board of
directors and chairman of the Committee for Security Matters and shall
provide an appropriate defined period of time, in light of the
circumstances, in which the Company shall be required to correct the
violation or change the decision, to the extent possible. |
26. |
Chairman
of the Board of Directors |
39
|
26.1.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall choose one of its members to serve as the chairman
of the Board of Directors, and shall set in the appointing resolution the
term for his service. |
|
26.1.2. |
Unless
otherwise provided in the appointing resolution, the chairman of the Board
of Directors shall be chosen each and every calendar year at the first
meeting of the Board of Directors held after the General Meeting in which
Directors were appointed to the Company. |
|
26.1.3. |
In
the event that the chairman of the Board of Directors ceases to serve as a
Director in the Company, the Board of Directors in its first meeting held
thereafter shall choose one of its members to serve as a new chairman who
will serve in his position for the term set in the appointing resolution,
and if no period is set, until the appointment of a chairman, as provided
in this Article. |
|
26.1.4. |
In
the event that the chairman of the Board of Directors is absent from a
meeting, the Board of Directors shall choose one of the Directors present
to preside at the meeting. |
|
26.2.1. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside over meetings of the Board
of Directors. |
|
26.2.2. |
In
the event of a deadlock vote, the chairman of the Board of Directors shall
not have an additional or casting vote. |
|
26.2.3. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors is entitled, at all times, at his
initiative or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, to
require reports from the General Manager in matters pertaining to the
business affairs of the Company. |
|
26.3. |
Reservations
with Regard to Actions of the Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
26.3.1. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall not serve as the General Manager of
the Company, unless he is appointed in accordance with the provisions of
Article 27.2 below. |
|
26.3.2. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall not serve as a member of the Audit
Committee. |
Chapter Five
Officers who are not Directors, and the Auditor
|
27.1. |
The
Appointment and Dismissal of the General Manager |
40
|
27.1.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall appoint a General Manager for a fixed period of
time or for an indefinite period of time. The Board of Directors may
appoint more than one General Manager. |
|
27.1.2. |
The
compensation and employment conditions of the General Manager shall be
determined by the Board of Directors in any manner it deems fit. Where the
compensation of the General Manager is regarded by the Board of Directors
in accordance with the Company Law as an exceptional transaction and
also in cases of the granting of a release, insurance, liability for
indemnification or indemnification given by a permit, said compensation
requires the prior approval of the audit committee. |
|
27.1.3. |
The
Board of Directors may from time to time remove the General Manager from his
office or dismiss the General Manager and appoint another or others in his
stead. |
|
27.2. |
The
Chairman of the Board of Directors as the General Manager |
|
27.2.1. |
The
General Meeting of the Company is entitled to authorize the Chairman of the
Board of Directors to serve as the General Manager and to exercise his
authority, for periods each one of them not to exceed three (3) years If
such resolution is adopted by the majority, as required in the Companies
Law. |
|
27.2.2. |
The
validity of a resolution provided in Article 27.2.1 above is restricted to a
maximum period of three years from the date of the adoption of the
resolution by the General Meeting. In the event that no period was set in
the resolution, the period shall be deemed to be for three years. Prior to
the completion of the three year period, as aforesaid, and even after the
end of this period, the General Meeting is entitled to extend the validity
of such resolution. |
|
27.2.3. |
A
resolution, as stated, may relate to the authority of the chairman of the
Board of Directors, generally, or to a specific person who is serving as
the chairman of the Board of Directors. |
|
27.3. |
The
Authority of the General Manager and Subordination to the Board of Directors |
|
27.3.1. |
The
General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs
of the Company within the framework of the policy set by the Board of
Directors and subject to its instructions. |
|
The
General Manager shall have all administrative and operational authority which were not
conferred by Law or pursuant to these Articles of Association to any other corporate
organ of the Company, and he shall be under the supervision of the Board of Directors and
subject to its instructions. |
41
|
The
General Manager shall appoint and dismiss officers of the Company, with the exception of
Directors, and he shall also determine the terms of their employment, unless otherwise
resolved by the Board of Directors and provided, however, that the appointment and
dismissal of senior managers of the Company shall require consultation with and approval
by the Board of Directors. |
|
27.3.2. |
The
Board of Directors may instruct the General Manager on how to act with
respect to a certain issue. If the General Manager fails to fulfil the
instruction, the Board of Directors may exercise the required authority in
order to act in the place of the General Manager. |
|
The
Board of Directors may assume the authority granted to the General Manager, either with
respect to a certain issue or for a certain period of time. |
|
27.3.3. |
In
the event that the General Manager is unable to exercise his authority, the
Board of Directors may exercise such authority in his stead, or authorize
another to exercise such authority. |
|
27.4. |
Reporting
Duties of the General Manager |
|
The
General Manager is obligated to notify the chairman of the Board of Directors of any
exceptional matter which is material to the Company, or of any material deviation by the
Company from the policy set by the Board of Directors. In the event that the Company
shall be without a chairman of the Board of Directors for whatever reason the General
Manager shall notify all the members of the Board of Directors, as aforesaid. The General
Manager shall deliver to the Board of Directors reports on issues, at such time and in
such scope, as is determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
27.5. |
Delegating
Authority of the General Manager |
|
The
General Manager, upon approval of the Board of Directors, may delegate to his
subordinates any of his authority. However, such delegation of authority shall not
release the General Manager from his liability. |
28. |
The
Corporate Secretary, Internal Controller and Other Officers of the Company |
|
28.1. |
The
corporate secretary |
|
28.1.1. |
The
Board of Directors is entitled to appoint a corporate secretary on terms it
deems fit, joint secretaries, subsecretaries and to determine the
areas of their functions and authorities. |
42
|
28.1.2. |
In
the event that no corporate secretary has been appointed, the General Manager
or anyone authorized by him shall fulfil the functions assigned to the
corporate secretary, in accordance with any Law, to these Articles of
Association and the resolutions of the Board of Directors. |
|
28.1.3. |
The
corporate secretary shall be responsible for all documents which are kept at
the Office, as stated in Section 124 of the Companies Law, and he shall
manage all the registries maintained by the Company in accordance with the
Law or Companies Law. |
|
28.2. |
Internal
Controller |
|
28.2.1. |
The
internal controller of the Company shall report to the chairman of the Board
of Directors. |
|
28.2.2. |
The
internal controller shall file with the Board of Directors a proposal for an
annual or other periodic work plan, which shall be approved by the Board
of Directors, subject to any changes it deems fit. |
|
28.3. |
Other
Officers of the Company |
|
The
Board of Directors may decide that in addition to the General Manager and the corporate
secretary, other officers may be appointed, whether generally or for a specific issue. In
such event, the Board of Directors shall appoint the officer, define his position and
authority, and set his compensation and terms of employment. |
|
The
Board of Directors is entitled to authorize the General Manager to fulfil any or all of
its authorities, as stated. |
|
29.1. |
The
Shareholders at the Annual Meeting shall appoint an auditor for a period
until the close of the following Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting may
appoint an auditor for a period not to extend beyond the close of the
third Annual Meeting following the Annual Meeting in which he was
appointed. In the event that the auditor was appointed for said period,
the Annual Meeting shall not address the appointment of the auditor during
said period, unless a resolution is adopted with respect to the
termination of his service. |
43
|
29.2. |
The
General Meeting is entitled at all times to terminate the service of the
auditor or to decide not to renew it. |
|
29.3. |
The
Board of Directors shall determine the compensation of the auditor of the
Company, upon recommendation of the audit committee, and it shall report
in that respect to the Annual Meeting of the Company. |
|
29.4. |
The
Board of Directors shall set the compensation of the auditor, upon
recommendation of the audit committee, for additional services which are
not regarded as oversight activities, including payments and obligations
of the Company to the auditor and it shall report in this respect at the
Annual Meeting of the Company. |
44
Chapter Six The
Share Capital of the Company and its Distribution
30. |
Permitted
Distributions |
|
In
this Chapter, the following terms shall be construed, in accordance with their definition
in Sections 301 and 302 of the Companies Law: distribution, acquisition,
profits, profit test, adjusted financial statements and
balances. |
|
30.2. |
Distribution
of Profits |
|
The
Company shall not make any distribution except from its profits, provided that the
Company shall not make any distribution if there is a reasonable fear that such
distribution shall preclude the Company from having the ability to meet its present and
anticipated liabilities, as they become due. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Company,
with the approval of the Court, is entitled to make a distribution which fails to meet
the profit test. |
|
30.3. |
Allotment
for a Consideration Below the Par Value |
|
In
the event the Board of Directors decides to allot Shares having a par value, for
consideration which is less than their par value, including Bonus Shares, the Company
shall convert into share capital from its profits, premium on its Shares, or any other
source, included in its shareholders equity, as stated in its most recent Financial
Statements, an amount equal to the difference between the par value and the consideration. |
|
Even
if the aforesaid is not done, with the approval of the Court, the Company shall be
entitled to make an allotment of Shares, for consideration which is less than their par
value. |
31. |
Dividends
and Bonus Shares |
|
31.1. |
Right
to Dividends or Bonus Shares |
|
31.1.1. |
A
Shareholder of the Company shall have the right to receive dividends or Bonus
Shares, if the Company so decides in accordance with Article 31.2 below,
consistent with the rights attaching to such Shares. |
|
31.1.2. |
Dividends
or Bonus Shares shall be distributed or allotted to those who are
registered in the Shareholder Register on the date of the resolution
approving the distribution or allotment or upon a latter date, if another
date is determined for this purpose in same resolution (hereinafter: the
Determining Date). |
45
|
31.1.3. |
In
the event that the share capital of the Company consists of Shares having
various par values, dividends or Bonus Shares shall be distributed in
proportion to the par value of each Share. |
|
31.1.4. |
Subject
to special rights conferred upon Shares in accordance with the conditions
of their allotment, profits of the Company which the Company decides to
distribute as a dividend or as Bonus Shares shall be paid in proportion to
the amount which was paid or credited on the account of the par value of
the Shares, held by the Shareholder. |
|
31.1.5. |
In
the event that it was not otherwise determined in the conditions applicable
to the allotment of the Shares or in a resolution of the General Meeting,
all the dividends or Bonus Shares with respect to Shares, which were not
fully paid within the period in which the dividends or Bonus Shares are
paid, shall be paid in proportion to the amounts which were actually paid
or credited as paid on the par value of the Shares during any part of said
period (pro rata temporis). |
|
31.2. |
Resolution
of the Company with Respect to a Dividend or Bonus Shares |
|
31.2.1. |
The
Authority to Distribute Dividends or Bonus Shares |
|
The
resolution of the Company on the distribution of a dividend or Bonus Shares to be
distributed to the Shareholders according to their respective rights and benefits, and on
their time of payment, shall be made by the General Meeting, after the recommendation of
the Board of Directors is presented. The General Meeting may accept the recommendation or
diminish the amount, but it is not entitled to increase it, provided in each case the
distribution is a permitted distribution, as specified in Article 30. |
|
The
Board of Directors may, in its discretion, allocate to special funds any amount
whatsoever from the profits of the Company or from the revaluation of its assets or its
relative share in the revaluation of assets of branch companies, and also to
determine the designation of these funds. |
|
31.3. |
The
Payment of Dividends |
|
31.3.1. |
Manner
of Payment |
|
Unless
otherwise provided in the resolution with respect to the distribution of the dividend,
the Company may pay any dividend with the withholding of any tax required by Law, by way
of a cheque to the order of the beneficiary alone, which should be sent by means of
registered mail to the registered address of the Shareholder entitled thereto, or by way
of a bank transfer. Any cheque, as stated, shall be drawn up to the order of the person
to whom it is intended. |
46
|
In
the event of registered joint holders, the cheque shall be passed to the same Shareholder
whose name is registered first in the Shareholder Register with respect to the joint
holding. |
|
The
sending of a cheque to a person whose name is registered in the Shareholder Register as
the holder of the Share upon the Determining Date or, in the case of joint holders, to
any of the joint holders, shall serve as evidence with respect to all the payments made
in connection with same Shares. |
|
The
Company may decide that a cheque under a certain amount shall not be sent and the amount
of the dividend which was supposed to be paid shall
be deemed to be an unclaimed dividend. |
|
31.3.2. |
An
Unclaimed Dividend |
|
The
Board of Directors is entitled to invest the amount of any unclaimed dividend for one
year after it was declared or to utilize it in any other manner to the benefit of the
Company until it is claimed. The Company shall not be obligated to pay interest or
Linkage on an unclaimed dividend. |
|
31.3.3. |
Specific
Dividend |
|
In
the event the Company declares a dividend, as provided in Article 31.2.1 above, it may
decide that same dividend shall be paid, entirely or partially, by way of the
distribution of certain assets, including fully paid Shares or bonds of any other company
or in any combination of these assets. |
|
31.4. |
Manner
of Capitalization of Profits and the Distribution of Bonus Shares |
|
31.4.1. |
Subject
to the provisions of Article 30 above in the event of a capitalization of
profits and distribution of Bonus Shares, the undistributed profits of the
Company, or premium on Shares, or funds derived from the revaluation of
the assets of the Company, or funds derived on the basis of equity from
the profits of branch companies, or from the revaluation of
assets of branch companies and capital redemption funds shall
be capitalized and distributed among the Shareholders entitled thereto, as
per the provisions of Article 31.1 above, to be held by the shareholders
as capital, and that this capital, entirely or partially, shall be used on
behalf of same Shareholders as full payment, whether according to the par
value of the Shares or together with premium decided upon, for Shares to
be distributed accordingly, and that this distribution or payment shall be
received by same Shareholders as full consideration for their portion of
the benefit in the capitalized amount, as determined by the Board of
Directors. |
47
|
The
provisions of this chapter six shall also apply to the distribution of bonds. |
|
31.4.2. |
The
Company, in the resolution with respect to the distribution of Bonus Shares,
is entitled in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of
Directors, to decide that the Company shall transfer to a special fund,
designated for the future distribution of Bonus Shares, an amount the
capitalization of which shall be sufficient in order to allot to anyone
having at such time a right to acquire Shares of the Company (including a
right which can be exercised only upon a later date), Bonus Shares at the
par value which would have been due to him had he exercised the right to
acquire the Shares shortly before the Determining Date, at the price of
the right in effect at such time. In the event that after the Determining
Date, the holder of said right shall exercise his right to acquire the
Shares or any part of them, the Board of Directors shall allot to him
fully paid Bonus Shares at such par value and of such class, which would
have been due to him had he exercised shortly before the Determining Date
the right to acquire those Shares he actually acquired, by way of an
appropriate capitalization made by the Board of Directors out of the
special fund, as aforesaid. For the purpose of the determination of the
par value of the Bonus Shares which are to be distributed, any amount
transferred to the special fund, with respect to a previous distribution
of previous Bonus Shares shall be viewed as if it had already been
capitalized and that Shares entitling the holders to the right to acquire
Shares of the Company were already allotted as Bonus Shares. |
|
31.4.3. |
Upon
the distribution of Bonus Shares, each Shareholder of the Company shall
receive Shares of a uniform class or of the class which confers on its
holder the right to receive the Bonus Shares, as determined by the Board
of Directors. |
|
31.4.4. |
For
purposes of carrying out any resolution pursuant to the provisions of
Article 30, the Board of Directors may settle, as it deems fit, any
difficulty arising with regard to the distribution of Bonus Shares, and,
in particular, to issue certificates for fractions of Shares and sell such
fractions of Shares, in order to pay their consideration to those entitled
thereto, and also to set the value for the distribution of certain assets
and to decide that cash payments shall be paid to the Shareholders on the
basis of the value determined in such a way, or that fractions whose value
is less than NIS 0.01 shall not be taken into account, pursuant to the
adjustment of the rights of all parties. The Board of Directors may pay
cash or convey these certain assets to trustees in trust in favor of those
people who are entitled to a dividend or to a capitalized fund, as the
Board of Directors shall deem beneficial. |
48
32. |
Acquisition
of Shares |
|
32.1. |
The
Company is entitled to acquire or to finance an acquisition, directly or
indirectly, of Shares of the Company or securities convertible into Shares
of the Company or which could be exercised into Shares of the Company,
including incurring an obligation to take any of these actions, subject to
the fulfillment of the conditions of a permissible distribution, as stated
in Article 30 above. |
|
32.2. |
In
the event that the Company acquired any of its Shares, such a Share shall
become a dormant Share, and shall not confer any rights, so long as it is
in the holding of the Company. |
|
32.3. |
A
subsidiary or another corporation in the control of the Company is entitled to
acquire Shares of the Company or securities convertible into Shares of the
Company or which can be exercised into Shares of the Company, including an
obligation to take any of these actions, to the same extent the Company
may make a distribution, so long as the board of directors of the
subsidiary or the managers of the acquiring corporation have determined
that had the acquisition of the Shares been carried out by the Company it
would have been regarded as a permissible distribution, as specified in
Article 30 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an acquisition by a
subsidiary or by another corporation in the control of the Company, which
is not fully-owned by the Company, will be considered a distribution of an
amount equal to the product of the amount acquired multiplied by the
percentage of the rights in the capital of the subsidiary or in the
capital of said corporation which is held by the Company. |
|
32.4. |
In
the event that a Share of the Company is acquired by a subsidiary or by a
corporation in the control of the Company, the Share shall not confer any
voting rights, for so long as said Share is held by the subsidiary or by
said controlled corporation. |
Chapter Seven
Insurance, Indemnification and Release of Officers
33. |
Insurance
of Officers |
|
33.1. |
The
Company shall not insure the liability of an officer in the Company, other
than pursuant to the provisions of this Article. |
49
|
33.2. |
The
Company may enter into an insurance contract or arrange and pay all premiums
in respect of an insurance contract, for the insurance of the liability of
an officer in the Company, resulting from the consequence of an action by
him in his capacity as an officer in the Company, for any of the
following: |
|
33.2.1. |
The
breach of the duty of care toward the Company or toward any other person; |
|
33.2.2. |
The
breach of the duty of loyalty toward the Company provided the officer has
acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action
would not harm the Company; and |
|
33.2.3. |
A
financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person. |
|
33.3. |
The
Company shall not enter into a contract for the insurance of the liability
of an officer in the Company for any of the following: |
|
33.3.1. |
The
breach of the duty of loyalty toward the Company, unless the officer acted
in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action would
not harm the Company; |
|
33.3.2. |
The
breach of the duty of care made intentionally or recklessly (pezizut),
except if it has been made only with negligence, unless otherwise
permitted by Law; |
|
33.3.3. |
An
intentional act intended to unlawfully yield a personal profit; |
|
33.3.4. |
A
criminal fine or a penalty imposed on him. |
34. |
Indemnification
of Officers |
|
34.1. |
The
Company shall not indemnify an officer in the Company, other than pursuant
to the provisions of this Article. |
|
34.2. |
The
Company may indemnify an officer in the Company for liability or expense he
incurs in consequence of an action made by him in the capacity of his
position as an officer in the Company, as follows: |
|
34.2.1. |
Any
financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person in accordance
with a judgment, including a judgment given in a settlement or a judgment
of an arbitrator, approved by the Court. |
|
34.2.2. |
Reasonable
litigation expenses, including legal fees, incurred by the officer or
which he was ordered to pay by the Court, within the framework of
proceedings filed against him by the Company or on its behalf or by
another person, or in a criminal proceeding in which he was acquitted, or
in a criminal proceeding in which he was convicted of a felony which does
not require a finding of criminal intent. |
50
|
34.2.3. |
Reasonable
litigation expenses, including lawyers fees paid by an officer due
to investigation or procedure conducted against him by an authority
authorized to conduct an inquiry or procedure, and which was ended without
filing an indictment against him and without being subject to a financial
obligation as a substitute for a criminal procedure, or that was ended
without filing an indictment against him and but at which he was subject
to a financial obligation, as a substitute for a criminal procedure
relating to an offence which does not require mens rea, within
the meaning of the relevant terms in the Law. |
|
34.3. |
Indemnification
in Advance |
|
The
Company may undertake in advance to indemnify an officer of the Company in respect of the
following matters: |
|
34.3.1. |
Matters
as detailed in Article 34.2.1 provided however, that the undertaking is
restricted to events of a kind, which in opinion of the Board of
Directors, are anticipated in light of the Companys actual activity
at the time of granting the obligation to indemnify and to a sum or
criteria determined by the Board of Directors as reasonable in the
circumstances, and the Obligation to Indemnify specifies the events that,
in the opinion of the Board of Directors are expected in light of the
Companys actual activity at the time of grant of the Obligation to
Indemnify and the sum or the criteria which the Board of Directors
determined to be reasonable in the circumstances. |
|
34.3.2. |
Matters
as detailed in Article 34.2.2 and 34.2.3. |
|
34.3.3. |
Any
matter permited by Law. |
|
34.4. |
Indemnification
after the Fact |
|
The
Company may indemnify an officer in the Company for all kinds of events, retrospectively,
subject to any applicable Law. |
|
34.5. |
The
Company may not indemnify an officer of the Company for events stated in
Article 33.3. |
|
35.1. |
The
Company shall not release an officer from his liability for a breach of the
duty of care toward the Company, other than in accordance with the
provisions of this Article. |
|
35.2. |
The
Company may release an officer in the Company, in advance, from his
liability, entirely or partially, for damage in consequence of the breach
of the duty of care toward the Company, as permitted by Law. |
51
|
35.3. |
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company may not release an officer from his liability,
resulting from any of the following events: |
|
35.3.1. |
The
breach of the duty of loyalty toward the Company. |
|
35.3.2. |
The
breach of the duty of care made intentionally or recklessly (pezizut)
except if it has been made only with negligence. |
|
35.3.3. |
An
intentional act intended to unlawfully yield a personal profit; |
|
35.3.4. |
A
criminal fine or a penalty imposed on him. |
|
35.3.5. |
The
breach of the duty of care toward the Company under the event of
distribution. |
Chapter Eight
Liquidation and Reorganization of the Company
|
36.1. |
In
the event that the Company is liquidated, whether voluntarily or otherwise,
the liquidator, upon the approval of an Extraordinary Meeting, may make a
distribution in kind to the Shareholders of all or part of the property of
the Company, and he may with a similar approval of the General Meeting,
deposit any part of the property of the Company with trustees in favor of
the Shareholders, as the liquidator with the aforementioned approval,
deems fit. |
|
36.2. |
The
Shares of the Company shall confer equal rights among them with respect to
capital amounts which were paid or which were credited as paid on the par
value of the Shares, in all matters pertaining to the refund of the
capital and to the participation in the distribution of the balance of the
assets of the Company in liquidation. |
|
37.1. |
Upon
the sale of the property of the Company, the Board of Directors or the
liquidators (in case of a liquidation), if they are so authorized by a
resolution of the General Meeting of the Company adopted with a Special
Majority, may receive fully or partially paid up Shares, bonds or
securities of another company, either Israeli or foreign, whether
incorporated or which is about to incorporated for the purpose of
acquiring property of the Company, or any part thereof, and the Directors
(if the profits of the Company allow for it) or the liquidators (in case
of a liquidation) may distribute among the Shareholders the Shares or the
securities mentioned above or any other property of the Company without
selling them or depositing them with trustees on behalf of the
Shareholders. |
52
|
37.2. |
The
General Meeting may, pursuant to a resolution adopted by a Special Majority,
decide on the valuation of the securities or of the aforementioned
property at a price and in the same manner as it deems appropriate and all
the Shareholders shall be obligated to accept any valuation or
distribution, authorized in accordance with the foregoing and to waive
their rights in this matter, unless the Company is about to liquidate or
is in a liquidation process, of same lawful rights (if any) which
according to the provisions of the Law should not be altered or denied. |
Chapter Nine
Miscellaneous
|
38.1. |
A
notice or other document may be sent by the Company to any Shareholder
appearing in the Shareholder Register of the Company either personally or
by way of sending by registered mail, at the registered address of the
Shareholder in the Shareholder Register, or at such address as the
Shareholder shall have provided in writing to the Company as the address
for the delivery of notices. |
|
38.2. |
All
the notices to be given to Shareholders, shall, in respect of Shares held
jointly, be given to the person whose name is mentioned first in the
Shareholder Register, and any notice given in such a manner shall be
viewed as a sufficient notice to all the joint Shareholders. |
|
38.3. |
Any
Shareholder registered in the Shareholder Register, with an address, whether
in Israel or overseas, is entitled to receive, at such address, any notice
he is entitled to receive in accordance with the Articles of Association
or according to the provisions of the Law. Unless otherwise stated above,
no person who is not registered in the Shareholder Register shall be
entitled to receive any notices from the Company. |
|
38.4. |
Any
notice or other document which is sent to a Shareholder in accordance with
these Articles of Association shall be considered lawfully sent with
respect to all the Shares held by him (whether with respect to Shares held
by him alone or held by him jointly with others) even if same Shareholder
had died by that time or had become bankrupt or had received an order for
its liquidation or if a trustee or a liquidator or a receiver was
appointed with respect to his Shares (whether the Company was aware of it
or not) until another person is registered in the Shareholder Register in
his stead, as the holder thereof. The sending of a notice or other
document, as aforesaid, shall be viewed as a sufficient sending to any
person having a right in these Shares. |
|
38.5. |
Any
notice or other document which was sent by the Company via registered mail,
to an address in Israel, shall be considered sent within 72 hours from its
posting at the post office. In order to prove sufficient sending, it is
enough to show that the letter containing the notice or the document was
addressed to the correct address and was posted at the post office. |
|
38.6. |
Any
accidental omission with respect to the giving of a notice of a General
Meeting to any Shareholder or the non-receipt of a notice with respect to
a meeting or any other notice on the part of whatever Shareholder shall
not cause the cancellation of a resolution taken at that meeting, or the
cancellation of processes based on such notice. |
53
|
38.7. |
Any
Shareholder and any member of the Board of Directors may waive his right to
receive notices or waive his right to receive notices during a specific
time period and he may consent that a General Meeting of the Company or a
meeting of the Board of Directors, as the case may be, shall be convened
and held notwithstanding the fact that he did not receive a notice with
respect to it, or notwithstanding the fact that the notice was not
received by him within the required time, in each case subject to the
provisions of any Law prohibiting any such waiver or consent. |
54
Chapter 11
Compliance with the License /
Limitations on
Ownership and Control
|
The
Shareholders shall at all times comply with the terms of the License. Nothing herein
shall be construed as requiring or permitting the performance of any acts which are
inconsistent with the terms of the License. If any article of these Articles shall be
found to be inconsistent with the terms of the License, the provisions of such article
shall be null and void, but the validity, legality or enforceability of provisions of the
other Articles shall not be affected thereby. |
44. |
Limitations
on Ownership and Control |
|
44.1. |
This
Article is to ensure that so long as and to the extent that any Operating
Right is conditional on or subject to any conditions or restrictions
relating to ownership or control over the Company imposed by the Ministry,
the Company is so owned and controlled. This Article shall not affect or
influence in any way the interpretation or application of Article 10A. |
|
Affected
Share means any Share determined to be dealt with as such pursuant to Article
44.4; |
|
Affected
Share Notice means a notice in writing served in accordance with Article 44.5; |
|
Depositarymeans
a custodian or other person appointed under contractual arrangements with the Company (or
a nominee for such custodian or other person) whereby such custodian or other person
holds or is interested in Shares and which issues securities evidencing the right to
receive such Shares; |
|
Depositary
Receipts means receipts or similar documents of title issued by or on behalf of
a Depositary; |
|
Depositary
Shares means the Shares held by a Depositary or in which a Depositary is
interested in its capacity as a Depositary; |
|
Intervening
Act means the refusal, withholding, suspension or revocation of any Operating
Right applied for, granted to or enjoyed by the Company, or the imposition of any
conditions or limitations upon any such Operating Right which materially inhibit the
exercise thereof, in either case by any state, authority or person (including the
Ministry) by reason of the activities of persons holding Shares in and/or controlling the
Company; |
55
|
Ministry
means the Ministry of Communications and/or Minister of
Communications; |
|
Operating
Right means all or any part of any authority, permission, licence or privilege
applied for, granted to or enjoyed by the Company, including the Licence, for the
establishment, subsistence, maintenance and operation of a mobile radio telephone system
using the cellular method and the provision of mobile radio telephone services to the
public in Israel; |
|
Permitted
Maximum means the maximum aggregate permitted number of Relevant Shares
specified by the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of the Licence, any
other requirements of the Ministry and any relevant requirements of Law; |
|
(a) |
any
person who, without the approval of the Ministry, acquires, directly or
indirectly, any Means of Control (as defined in the Licence) in breach of
Section 21 of the Licence other than a person who falls within Article 10A; or |
|
(b) |
any
Interested Party (as defined in the Licence) who, or who has an Officer Holder
(as defined in the Licence) who, is in breach of Sections 23 or 24 of the
Licence other than a person who falls within Article 10A; |
|
Relevant
Share means any Share (other than a Share removed from the Relevant Shares
Register (defined in Article 44.3.2) pursuant to Article 44.3.5), in which a Relevant
Person has an interest or which is declared to be a Relevant Share pursuant to Article
44.3.4; |
|
44.3.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall not register a person as a holder of a Share unless
the person has given to the Board of Directors a declaration (in a form
prescribed by the Board of Directors) signed by him or on his behalf,
stating his name, nationality, that he is not a Relevant Person falling
within the definition of that term and other information required by the
Board of Directors. |
|
44.3.2. |
The
Board of Directors shall maintain a register (the Relevant Shares
Register), in which shall be entered particulars of any Share which
has been: |
56
|
(a) |
acknowledged
by the holder (or by a joint holder) to be a Relevant Share; |
|
(b) |
declared
to be a Relevant Share pursuant to Article 44.3.4; or |
|
(c) |
determined
to be an Affected Share pursuant to Article 44.4.2.; |
|
and
which has not ceased to be a Relevant Share. The particulars in the Relevant Shares
Register in respect of any Share shall include the identity of the holder or joint
holders and information requested by and supplied to the Board of Directors. |
|
44.3.3. |
Each
registered holder of a Share which has not been acknowledged to be a
Relevant Share who becomes aware that such Share is or has become a
Relevant Share shall forthwith notify the Company accordingly. |
|
44.3.4. |
The
Board of Directors may notify in writing the registered holder of a Share
which is not in the Relevant Shares Register and appears to be a Relevant
Share, requiring him to show that the Share is not a Relevant Share. Any
person to whom such notice has been issued may within 21 clear days after
the issue of the notice (or such longer period as the Board of Directors
may decide) represent to the Board of Directors why such Share should not
be treated as a Relevant Share but if, after considering such
representations and other relevant information, the Board of Directors is
not so satisfied, it shall declare such Share to be a Relevant Share and
treat it as such. |
|
44.3.5. |
The
Board of Directors shall remove a Relevant Share from the Relevant Shares
Register if the holder of the Relevant Share gives to the Board of
Directors a declaration (in a form prescribed by the Board of Directors),
together with such other evidence as the Board of Directors may require,
which satisfies it that such Share is no longer, or should not be treated,
as a Relevant Share. |
57
|
44.4.1. |
Article
44.4.2 shall apply for so long as the Company holds or enjoys any
Operating Right where the Board of Directors determines that it is
necessary to take steps to protect any Operating Right because an
Intervening Act is contemplated, threatened or intended, may take place or
has taken place; |
|
44.4.2. |
Where
a determination has been made under Article 44.4.1, the Board of Directors
shall take such of the following steps as they consider necessary or
desirable to overcome, prevent or avoid an Intervening Act: |
|
44.4.2.1. |
the
Board of Directors may remove any Director from office, by a resolution
passed by a majority of 75 per cent or more of the other Directors present
and voting at the relevant meeting; |
|
44.4.2.2. |
the
Board of Directors may seek to identify those Relevant Shares which gave
rise to the determination under Article 44.4.1 and by a resolution passed
by a majority of 75 per cent or more of the Directors present and voting
at the relevant meeting deal with such Shares as Affected Shares; and |
|
44.4.2.3. |
when
the aggregate number of Relevant Shares in the Relevant Shares Register
exceeds the Permitted Maximum, the Board of Directors may deal with the
Relevant Shares which it decides, by a resolution passed by a majority of
75 per cent or more of the Directors present and voting at the relevant
meeting, are in excess of the Permitted Maximum as Affected Shares. |
|
44.5. |
The
Board of Directors shall give an Affected Share Notice to the registered
holder of any Affected Share and state that Article 44.6 is to be applied
forthwith in respect of such Affected Share. The registered holder of the
Affected Share may within 21clear days after the issue of the notice (or
such longer period as the Board of Directors may decide) represent to the
Board of Directors why such Share should not be treated as an Affected
Share and if, after considering such representations and other relevant
information, the Board of Directors considers that the Share should not be
treated as an Affected Share it shall forthwith withdraw the Affected
Share Notice and Article 44.6 shall no longer apply to the Share. |
|
44.6. |
An
Affected Share in respect of which an Affected Share Notice has been served
shall be treated as a dormant share (as defined in section 308 of the
Companies Law) except that the registered holder of the Affected Share
shall continue to have the right to receive dividends and other
distributions of the Company and participate in bonus or rights issues of
the Company in respect of such Share. |
58
|
44.7. |
In
deciding which Shares are to be treated as Affected Shares, the Board of
Directors shall have regard to the Relevant Shares which in its opinion
have directly or indirectly caused the determination under Article 44.4
and the chronological order in which Relevant Shares have been entered in
the Relevant Shares Register (and accordingly treat as Affected Shares
those Relevant Shares entered in the Relevant Shares Register most
recently) except where such criterion would in their opinion be
inequitable, in which event the Board of Directors shall apply such other
criterion or criteria as they may consider appropriate. |
|
44.8. |
Subject
to the other provisions of this Article 44, the Board of Directors shall
be entitled to assume without enquiry that: |
|
44.8.1. |
all
Shares not in the Relevant Shares Register and not falling within clause
44.8.2 are neither Relevant Shares nor Shares which would be or be capable
of being treated as Affected Shares; and |
|
44.8.2. |
all
or some specified number of the Shares are Relevant Shares falling within
paragraphs (a)-(b) in the definition of that term if they (or interests in
them) are held by a Depositary, trustee, registration or nominee company
or other agent unless and for so long as, in respect of any such Shares,
it is established to their satisfaction that such Shares are not Relevant
Shares. |
|
44.9. |
Any
resolution or determination of, or any decision or the exercise of any
discretion or power by, the Board of Directors or any one of the Directors
under this Article 44 shall be final and conclusive. |
|
44.10.1. |
On
withdrawal of the determination under Article 44.4.1, the Board of Directors
shall cease to act pursuant to such determination and inform every person
on whom an Affected Share Notice has been served that Article 44.6 no
longer applies in respect of such Share. The withdrawal of such a
determination shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the
Board of Directors under this Article whilst that determination remained
in effect and such actions shall not be open to challenge on any ground
whatsoever. |
59
|
44.10.2. |
The
Board of Directors shall, so long as it acts reasonably and in good faith,
be under no liability to the Company or to any other person for failing to
treat any Share as an Affected Share or any person as a Relevant Person in
accordance with this Article and it shall not be liable to the Company or
any other person if, having acted reasonably and in good faith it
determines erroneously that any Share is an Affected Share, or any person
is a Relevant Person or on the basis of such determination or any other
determination or resolution, they perform or exercise their duties,
powers, rights or discretions under this Article in relation to such
Share. |
|
44.11. |
A
person who has an interest in Shares by virtue of having an interest in
Depositary Receipts shall be deemed to have an interest in the number of
Shares represented by such Depositary Receipts and not (in the absence of
any other reason why he should be so treated) in the remainder of the
Depositary Shares held by the relevant Depositary. |
60
ANNEX A1
Articles of Association
of
Partner Communications
Company Ltd.
As amended and
restated on July 21, 2005
Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter One - General |
4 |
1. |
Definitions and Interpretation |
4 |
2. |
Public Company |
6 |
3. |
The Purpose of the Company |
6 |
4. |
The Objectives of the Company |
6 |
5. |
Limited Liability |
6 |
Chapter Two - The Share Capital of the Company |
6 |
6. |
Share Capital |
6 |
7. |
The Issuance of Shares and Other Equity Securities |
7 |
8. |
Calls for Payment |
7 |
9. |
The Shareholder Registers of the Company and the Issuance of Share Certificates |
9 |
10. |
Transfer of Shares of the Company |
10 |
10A. |
Limitations on Transfer of Shares |
12 |
10B. |
Required Minimum Holdings |
14 |
11. |
Bearer Share Certificate |
15 |
12. |
Pledge of Shares |
15 |
13. |
Changes in the Share Capital |
15 |
Chapter Three - General Meetings |
18 |
14. |
The Authority of the General Meeting |
18 |
15. |
Kinds of General Meetings |
19 |
16. |
The Holding of General Meetings |
20 |
17. |
The Agenda of General Meetings |
21 |
18. |
Discussions in General Meetings |
21 |
19. |
Voting of the Shareholders |
23 |
20. |
The Appointment of a Proxy |
25 |
21. |
Deed of Vote |
26 |
Chapter Four - The Board of Directors |
29 |
22. |
The Authority of the Board of Directors |
29 |
23. |
The Appointment of Directors and the Termination of Their Office |
30 |
24. |
Actions of Directors |
34 |
25. |
Committees of the Board of Directors |
37 |
26. |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
39 |
Chapter Five - Officers who are not Directors and the Auditor |
40 |
27. |
The General Manager |
40 |
28. |
The Corporate Secretary, Internal Controller and Other Officers of the Company |
42 |
29. |
The Auditor |
43 |
Chapter Six - The Share Capital of the Company and its Distribution |
45 |
30. |
Permitted Distributions |
45 |
31. |
Dividends and Bonus Shares |
45 |
32. |
The Acquisition of Shares |
49 |
Chapter Seven - Insurance, Indemnification and Release of Officers |
49 |
33. |
Insurance of Officers |
49 |
34. |
Indemnification of Officers |
50 |
35. |
Release of Officers |
51 |
2
3
Chapter One
General
1. |
Definitions
and Interpretation |
|
1.1. |
The
following terms in these Articles of Association bear the meaning appearing
alongside them below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Articles of Association |
The Articles of Association of the Company, as set forth herein or as |
|
|
amended, whether explicitly or pursuant to any Law. |
|
|
Business Day |
Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, with the exception of holidays and official |
|
|
days of rest in the State of Israel. |
|
|
Companies Law |
The Companies Law, 1999. |
|
|
Companies Ordinance |
The Companies Ordinance [New Version], 1983. |
|
|
Companies Regulations |
Regulations issued pursuant to the Companies Ordinance or Companies Law. |
|
|
Director |
A Director of the Company in accordance with the definition in Section 1 of |
|
|
the Companies Law, including an Alternate Director or an empowered |
|
|
representative. |
|
|
Document |
A printout and any other form of written or printed words, including |
|
|
documents transmitted in writing, via facsimile, telegram, telex, e-mail, on |
|
|
a computer or through any other electronic instrumentation, producing or |
|
|
allowing the production of a copy and/or an output of a document. |
|
|
Founding Shareholder |
A "founding shareholder or its substitute" as defined in Section 21.8 of the |
|
|
License. |
|
Founding Israeli Shareholder |
A Founding Shareholder who also qualifies as an "Israeli Entity" as defined |
|
|
for purposes of Section 22A of the License. |
|
Financial Statements |
The balance sheet, profit and loss statement, statement of changes in the |
|
|
share capital and cash flow statements, including the notes attached to them. |
|
|
Law |
The provisions of any law ("din") as defined in the Interpretation Law, 1981. |
|
|
License |
The Company's General License for the Provision of Mobile Radio Telephone |
|
|
Services using the Cellular Method in Israel dated April 7, 1998, and the |
|
|
permit issued by the Ministry of Communications dated April 7, 1998. |
|
|
Linkage |
Payments with respect to changes in the Israeli consumer price index or the |
|
|
representative exchange rate of NIS vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar, as published |
|
|
by the Bank of Israel, or any other rate which replaces such rate. |
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Founding |
The minimum shareholding in the Company required to be held by Founding |
|
Shareholders Holding |
Shareholders pursuant to Section 22A.1 of the License. |
|
Minimum Israeli Holding |
The minimum shareholding in the Company required to be held by Founding |
|
|
Israeli Shareholders pursuant to Section 22A.2 of the License. |
|
NIS |
New Israeli Shekel |
|
Office |
The registered office of the Company. |
|
|
Ordinary Majority |
A simple majority of the shareholders who are entitled to vote and who voted |
|
|
in a General Meeting in person, by means of a proxy or by means of a deed of |
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voting. |
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Periodic Statement |
According to its definition in Chapter B of the Securities Regulations (Periodic and Immediate Reports),
1970, or such Securities Regulations replacing them. |
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Qualified Israeli Director |
A director who at all times (i) is a citizen of Israel and resident in |
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Israel, (ii) qualifies to serve as a director under applicable law, (iii) |
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qualifies as a Director with Clearance as defined in section 25A, and (iv) is |
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appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company pursuant to section 23.2.6 |
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of these Articles. |
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Securities |
Shares, bonds, capital notes or securities negotiable into shares and |
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certificates, conferring a right in such securities, or other securities |
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issued by the Company. |
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Securities Law |
The Securities Law, 1968. |
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Securities Regulations |
Regulations issued pursuant to the Securities Law. |
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Shares |
shares in the share capital of the Company. |
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Shareholder |
Anyone registered as a shareholder in the Shareholder Register of the Company. |
|
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Special Majority |
A majority of at least three quarters of the votes of shareholders who are |
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entitled to vote and who voted in a general meeting, in person, by means of a |
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proxy or by means of a deed of voting. |
|
1.2. |
The provisions of Sections 3 through 10 of the Interpretation Law, 1981, shall
also apply to the interpretation of these Articles of Association, mutatis
mutandis, unless the context otherwise requires. |
|
1.3. |
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, each word and expression in these
Articles of Association shall have the meaning given to it in accordance with
the Companies Law, and to the extent that no meaning is attached to it in the
Companies Law, the meaning given to it in the Companies Regulations, and if they
lack reference thereto, as stated, the meaning given to it in the Securities Law
or Securities Regulations, and in the absence of any meaning, as stated, the
meaning given to it in another Law, unless it contradicts the relevant provision
or its contents. |
5
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The
Company is a public company. |
3. |
The
Purpose of the Company |
|
The
purpose of the Company is to operate in accordance with business considerations to
generate profits; provided, however, the Board of Directors is entitled to donate
reasonable amounts to worthy causes, even if such a donation is not within the framework
of business considerations, as stated. |
4. |
The
Objectives of the Company |
|
The
Company shall engage in any legal business. |
|
The
liability of the Shareholders of the Company is limited, each one up to the full amount he
undertook to pay for the Shares allotted to him, at the time of the allotment. |
Chapter Two The
Share Capital of the Company
|
6.1. |
The authorized share capital of the Company is NIS 2,350,000, divided into
235,000,000 ordinary shares at a par value of NIS 0.01 each (hereinafter: the
Ordinary Shares). |
|
6.2. |
Each Ordinary Share shall confer upon its holder the right to receive notices of
as
required in these Articles of Association, and to attend and vote in, general
meetings, and to one vote for each Ordinary Share held by him. |
|
6.3. |
Each class of Shares shall also confer equal rights to each holder in the class
with respect to the amounts of equity which were paid or credited as paid with
respect to their par value, in all matters pertaining to dividends, the
distribution of bonus shares and any other distribution, return of capital and
participation in the distribution of the balance of the assets of the Company
upon liquidation. |
|
6.4. |
The provisions of these Articles of Association with respect to Shares, shall
also apply to other Securities issued by the Company, mutatis mutandis. |
6
7. |
The Issuance of Shares and Other Securities |
|
7.1. |
The Board of Directors of the Company may issue or allocate Shares and other
equity Securities of the Company, up to the limit of the registered share
capital of the Company. In the event that the share capital of the Company
includes several classes of Shares and other equity Securities, no shares and
other equity Securities shall be issued above the limit of the registered share
capital for its class. |
|
7.2. |
The Board of Directors is entitled to delegate its power to issue or allocate
Shares or other Securities, as authorized under the Companies Law. |
|
7.2.
7.3. |
The Board of Directors of the Company may issue redeemable Securities, having
such rights and subject to such conditions as will be determined by the Board of
Directors. |
|
7.3.
7.4. |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles of Association, the Board of
Directors may allot Shares and other Securities according to such stipulations
and conditions, at par value or by way of a premium, as it deems fit. |
|
7.4.
7.5. |
The Board of Directors may decide on the issuance of a series of bonds or other
debt securities within the framework of its authority or to take a loan on
behalf of the Company and within the limits of the same authority. |
|
7.5.
7.6. |
The Shareholders of the Company at any given time shall not have any preemption
right or priority or any other right whatsoever with respect to the acquisition
of Securities of the Company. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
may decide to offer Securities of the Company first to existing Shareholders or
to any one or more of them. |
|
7.6.
7.7. |
The Company is entitled to pay a commission (including underwriting fees) to any
person, in consideration for underwriting services, or the marketing or
distribution of Securities of the Company, whether reserved or unreserved, as
determined by the Board of Directors. Payments, as stated in this Article, may
be paid in cash or in Securities of the Company, or partly in one manner and
partly in another manner. |
|
8.1. |
In the event that according to the terms of a Share allotment, there is no fixed
date for the payment of any part of the price that is to be paid for the Shares,
the Board of Directors may issue from time to time calls of payment to the
Shareholders with respect to the moneys which were not yet paid by them in
relation to the Shares (hereinafter: Calls of Payment or a
Call of Payment, as the case may be). |
|
8.2. |
A Call of Payment shall set a date, which will not be earlier than thirty days
from the date of the notice, by which the amount indicated in the Call of
Payment must be paid, together with interest, Linkage and expenses incurred in
consequence of the nonpayment, according to the rates and amounts set by
the Board of Directors. The notice shall further specify that in the event of a
failure to pay within the date fixed, the Shares in respect of which payment or
the rate is required may be forfeited. In the event that a Shareholder fails to
meet any of its obligations, under a Call of Payment, the Share in respect of
which said notice was issued pursuant to the resolution of the Board of
Directors may be forfeited at any time thereafter. The forfeiture of Shares
shall include the forfeiture of all the dividends on same Shares which were not
paid prior to the forfeiture, even if such dividends were declared. |
7
|
8.3. |
Any amount, which according to the terms of a Share allotment, must be paid at
the time of issuance or at a fixed date, whether at the par value of the Share
or at a premium, shall be deemed for the purposes of these Articles of
Association to be combined in a duly issued Call of Payment. In the event of
non-payment of any such amount, all the provisions of these Articles of
Association shall apply with respect to such an amount, as if a proper Call of
Payment has been made and an appropriate notice thereof was given. |
|
8.4. |
The Board of Directors, acting reasonably and in good faith, may differentiate
among Shareholders with respect to amounts of Calls of Payment and/or their
payment time. |
|
8.5. |
The joint holders of Shares shall be liable, jointly and severally, for the
payment of Calls of Payment in respect of such Shares. |
|
8.6. |
Any payment for Shares shall be credited, pro rata, according to the par value
of and according to the premium on such Shares. |
|
8.7. |
A Call of Payment may be cancelled or deferred to another date, as may be
decided by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may waive any
interest, Linkage and expenses or any part of them. |
|
8.8. |
The Board of Directors may receive from a Shareholder any payments for his
Shares, in addition to the amount of any Call of Payment, and the Board of
Directors may pay to the same Shareholder interest on amounts which were paid in
advance, as stated above, or on same part of them, in excess of the amount of
the Call of Payment, or to make any other arrangement with him which may
compensate him for the advancement of the payment. |
|
8.9. |
A Shareholder shall not be entitled to a dividend or to his other rights as a
Shareholder, unless he has fully paid the amounts specified in the Calls of
Payment issued to him, together with interest, Linkage and expenses, if any,
unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
8.10. |
The Board of Directors is entitled to sell, re-allot or transfer in any other
manner any Share which was forfeited, in the manner it decides, with or without
any amount paid on the Share or deemed as paid on it. |
|
8.11. |
The Board of Directors is entitled at all times prior to the sale, reallotment
or transfer of the forfeited Share to cancel the forfeiture on the conditions it
may decide. |
8
|
8.12. |
A person whose Shares have been forfeited shall, notwithstanding the forfeiture,
remain liable to pay to the Company all moneys which, up until the date of
forfeiture, were due and payable by him to the Company in respect of the Shares,
including interest, Linkage and expenses up until the actual payment date in the
same manner as if the Shares were not forfeited, and shall be compelled to
fulfill all the requirements and claims which the Company was entitled to
enforce with respect to the Shares up until the forfeiture date, without any
decrease or discount for the value of the Shares at the time of forfeiture. His
liability shall cease only if and when the Company receives the full payment set
at the time of allotment of the Shares. |
|
8.13. |
The Board of Directors may collect any Calls of Payment which were not paid on
the forfeited Shares or any part of them, as it deems fit, but it is not
obligated to do so. |
|
8.14. |
The forfeiture of a Share shall cause, as of the time of forfeiture, the
cancellation of all rights in the Company and of any claim or demand against the
Company with respect to that Share, and of other rights and obligations of the
Shareholder in respect of the Company, save as otherwise provided by Law. |
9. |
The Shareholder Registers of the Company and the Issuance of Share
Certificates |
|
9.1. |
The Company shall maintain a Shareholder Register and a Register of Significant
Shareholders, together with a notation of any Exceptional Holdings in accordance
with the provisions set forth in Article 10A below, to be administered by the
corporate secretary of the Company, subject to the oversight of the Board of
Directors. |
|
9.2. |
A Shareholder is entitled to receive from the Company, free of charge, within
two months after an allotment or the registration of a transfer (unless the
conditions of the allotment fix a different period) one or several certificates
with respect to all the Shares of a certain class registered in his favor, which
certificate must specify the number of the Shares, the class of the Shares and
the amount paid for them and also any other detail deemed important by the Board
of Directors. In the event a Share is held jointly, the Company shall not be
obligated to issue more than one certificate for all the joint holders, and the
delivery of such a certificate to any of the joint holders shall be viewed as if
it was delivered to all of them. |
|
9.3. |
Each and every Share certificate shall be stamped with the seal or the stamp of
the Company or bear the Companys printed name, and shall also bear the
signature of one Director and of the corporate secretary of the Company, or of
two Directors or of any other person appointed by the Board of Directors for
this purpose. |
|
9.4. |
The Company is entitled to issue a new Share certificate in place of an issued
Share certificate which was lost or spoiled or corrupted, following evidence
thereto and guarantees and indemnities, as may be required by the Company and
the payment of an amount determined by the Board of Directors. |
9
|
9.5. |
Where two people or more are registered as joint holders of Shares, each of them
is entitled to acknowledge the receipt of a dividend or other payments in
connection with such jointly held Shares, and such acknowledgement of any one of
them shall be good discharge of the Companys obligation to pay such
dividend or other payments. |
|
10.1. |
The Shares are transferable. The transfer of Shares shall not be registered
unless the Company receives a deed of transfer (hereinafter: Deed of
Transfer) or other proper Document or instrument of transfer. A Deed of
Transfer shall be drawn up in the following manner or in any substantially
similar manner or in any other manner approved by the Board of Directors. |
10
Deed of Transfer
|
I,
_________________, (hereinafter: The Transferor) of ____________, do hereby
transfer to ___________ (hereinafter: The Transferee) of __________, for
valuable consideration paid to me, _________ Share(s) having a par value of NIS 0.01 each,
numbered ________ to ________ (inclusive), of Partner Communications Company Ltd.
(hereinafter: the Company) to hold unto the Transferee, his executors,
administrators and assigns, subject to the same terms and conditions on which I held the
same at the time of the execution hereof; and I, the said Transferee, do hereby agree to
take the said Share(s) subject to the aforesaid terms and conditions. |
|
In
witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this _____ day of _________, _____. |
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The Transferor |
The Transferee |
|
Name: _______________ |
Name: _______________ |
|
Signature: ____________ |
Signature: ____________ |
|
|
Witness to the Signature of: |
|
The Transferor |
The Transferee |
|
Name: _____________ |
Name: _____________ |
|
Signature: ____________ |
Signature: ____________ |
|
10.2. |
The transfer of Shares which are not fully paid, or Shares on which the Company
has a lien or pledge, shall have no validity unless approved by the Board of
Directors, which may, in its absolute discretion and without giving any
reasoning thereto, decline the registration of such a transfer. The Board of
Directors may deny a transfer of Shares as aforesaid and may also impose a
condition of the transfer of Shares as aforesaid an undertaking by the
transferee to meet the obligations of the transferor with respect to the Shares
or the obligations for which the Company has a lien or pledge on the Shares,
signed by the transferee together with the signature of a witness,
authenticating the signature of the transferee. |
|
10.3. |
The transfer of a fraction of a Share shall lack validity. |
|
10.4. |
A transferor of Shares shall continue to be regarded as the holder of the
transferred Shares, until the name of the transferee of the Shares is registered
in the Shareholder Register of the Company. |
|
10.5. |
A Deed of Transfer shall be filed with the Companys office for
registration, together with the Share Certificates for the Shares which are to
be transferred (if such are issued) and also any other evidence which the
Company may require with respect to the proprietary right of the transferor or
with respect to his right to transfer the Shares. Deeds of Transfer which are
registered shall remain with the Company. The Company is not obligated to retain
the Deeds of Transfer and the Share Certificates, which may be cancelled, after
the completion of a seven-year period from the registration of the transfer. |
11
|
10.6. |
A joint Shareholder may transfer his right in a Share. In the event the
transferring Shareholder does not hold the relevant Share Certificate, the
transferor shall not be obligated to attach the Share Certificate to the Deed of
Transfer, so long as the Deed of Transfer shall indicate that the transferor
does not hold the Share Certificate, that the right he has in the Shares therein
is being transferred, and that the transferred Share is held jointly with
others, together with their details. |
|
10.7. |
The Company may require payment of a fee for the registration of the transfer,
at an amount or a rate determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. |
|
10.8. |
The Board of Directors may close the Shareholder Register for a period of up to
thirty days in each year. |
|
10.9. |
Subject to Article 10.10, upon the death of a Shareholder, the Company shall
recognize the custodians or administrators of the estate or executors of the
will, and in the absence of such, the lawful heirs of the Shareholder, as the
only holders of the right for the Shares of the deceased Shareholder, after
receipt of evidence to the entitlement thereto, as determined by the Board of
Directors. |
|
10.10. |
In the event that a deceased Shareholder held Shares jointly with others, the
Company shall acknowledge each survivor as a joint Shareholder with respect to
said Shares, unless all the joint holders in the Share notify the Company in
writing, prior to the death of any of them, of their will that the provisions of
this Article shall not apply to them. The foregoing shall not release the estate
of a joint Shareholder of any obligation in relation to a Share which is held
jointly. |
|
10.11. |
A person acquiring a right in Shares in consequence of being a custodian,
administrator of the estate, the heir of a Shareholder, a receiver, liquidator
or a trustee in a bankruptcy of a Shareholder or according to another provision
of the Law, is entitled, after providing evidence to his right, to the
satisfaction of the Board of Directors, to be registered as the Shareholder or
to transfer such Shares to another person, subject to the provisions of these
Articles of Association with respect to transfers. |
|
10.12. |
A person becoming entitled to a Share because of the death of a Shareholder
shall be entitled to receive, and to give receipts for, dividends or other
payments paid or distributions made, with respect to the Share, but shall not be
entitled to receive notices with respect to General Meetings of the Company or
to participate or vote therein with respect to that Share, or to exercise any
other right of a Shareholder, until he has been registered in the Shareholder
Register as the holder of that Share. |
|
10.13. |
Deleted.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Articles 10.5 and 10.7, the transfer of Shares as a result of a
realization of a share pledge entered into by a Shareholder of the Company in connection with the Companys
$650 million credit facility dated August 13, 1998, as amended from time to time, will not require additional
evidence with respect to the proprietary right of the transferor or with respect to his right to transfer the
shares other than a properly completed deed of transfer and valid Share Certificate (if issued), nor will the
Company require a fee for the registration of said transfer.
|
10A. |
Limitations on Transfer of Shares |
12
|
10A.1. |
Exceptional Holdings shall be registered in the Register of Members (Shareholder
Register) together with a notation that such holdings have been classified as
Exceptional Holdings, immediately upon the Companys learning
of such matter. Notice of such registration shall be sent by the Company to the
registered holder of the Exceptional Holding and to the Minister of
Communications. |
|
10A.2. |
Exceptional Holdings, registered in the manner set forth in Article 10A.1, shall
not entitle the holder to any rights in respect to his holdings, and such
holdings shall be considered Dormant Shares within the meaning of
Section 308 of the Companies Law, except, however, that the holder of such
shares shall be entitled to receive dividends and other distributions to
shareholders (including the right to participate in a rights offering calculated
on the basis of Means of Control of the Company (as defined in the License),
provided, however, that such additional holdings shall be considered Exceptional
Holdings). Therefore, any action taken or claim made on the basis of a right
deriving from an Exceptional Holdings shall have no effect, except for the
receipt of dividends or other distribution as stated above. |
|
Without
derogating from the above: |
|
10A2.1 |
A Shareholder participating in a vote of the General Meeting will certify to the Company
prior to the vote or, if the vote is by Deed of Vote, on the Deed of Vote, as to whether
or not his holdings in the Company or his vote require consent pursuant to Sections 21 and
23 to the License; in the event the shareholder does not provide notification as
aforesaid, he shall not vote and his vote shall not be counted. |
|
10A.2.2 |
No Director shall be appointed, elected or removed on the basis of Exceptional Holdings.
In the event a Director is appointed, elected or removed from his position as a Director
as set forth above, such appointment, election or removal shall have no effect. |
|
10A.2.3 |
Exceptional Holdings shall have no voting rights at a General Meeting of the Company. |
|
For
the purposes of this Article 10A, Exceptional Holdings means the
holdings of Traded Means of Control held without the consent of the Minister of
Communications pursuant to Section 21 to the License or as a result of a breach of the
provisions of Section 23 to the License, and all holdings of a holder of Traded Means of
Control who acted contrary to the provisions of Section 24 to the License; and as long as
the consent of the Minister of Communications is required but has not been obtained
pursuant to Section 21 to the License, or the circumstances exist which constitute a
violation of the provisions of Sections 23 or 24 to the License. |
13
|
For
the purposes of this Article 10A, Traded Means of Control means Means
of Control (as defined in the License) including Global or American Depositary Shares
(GDRs or ADRs) or similar certificates, registered for trade on a securities exchange in
Israel or abroad or which have been offered to the public in connection with a prospectus,
and are held by the public in Israel or abroad. |
|
10A.3. |
The provisions of Article 10A shall not apply to those who were Shareholders of
the Company on the eve of the first registration of the Companys Shares
for trade. |
10B. |
Required
Minimum Holdings |
|
10B.1. |
Our License requires that Founding Shareholders hold Shares constituting at
least the Minimum Founding Shareholders Holding and that Founding Israeli
Shareholders hold Shares constituting at least the Minimum Israeli Holding. |
|
10B.2. |
Shares held by Founding Shareholders, to the extent such Shares constitute all
or a portion of the Minimum Founding Shareholders Holding, shall be registered
directly in the name of the Founding Shareholder in the shareholder register of
the Company, with a note indicating that such Shares are Minimum Founding
Shareholders Shares. Minimum Founding Shareholders Shares that are held by
Founding Israeli Shareholders, to the extent such Shares constitute all or a
portion of the Minimum Israeli Holding, shall also be recorded in the
shareholder register with a note indicating that such Shares are Minimum
Israeli Holding Shares. |
|
10B.3. |
No transfer by a Founding Shareholder of Minimum Founding Shareholder Shares or
by a Founding Israeli Shareholder of Minimum Israeli Holding Shares shall be
recorded in the Companys shareholder register, or have any effect, unless
the Companys Secretary shall have received written confirmation from the
Ministry of Communications that the transfer complies with section 21.8 of the
License. The Company Secretary may, in his or her discretion, refer any question
in connection with the recording of Minimum Founding Shareholders Shares or
Minimum Israeli Holding Shares, or their transfer, to the Companys audit
committee whose decision shall be binding on the Company. As a condition to any
transfer of Minimum Founding Shareholders Shares or Minimum Israeli Holding
Shares, the transferee shall be required to deliver to the Companys
Secretary (a) a share transfer deed that includes an undertaking by the
transferee to comply with all requirements of section 22A of the License and (b)
all information requested with respect to the transferees qualification as
a Founding Shareholder and/or a Founding Israeli Shareholder. |
14
11. |
Bearer
Share Certificate |
|
The
Company shall not issue bearer Share Certificates which grant the bearer rights in the
Shares specified therein. |
|
12.1. |
The Company shall have a first degree pledge on, and a right to create a lien
on, all Shares which are not fully paid and registered in the name of any
Shareholder, and the proceeds of their sale, with respect to moneys (which
payment time is due or not) whose payment was already called or are to be paid
up within a fixed time. Furthermore, the Company shall have a first degree
pledge right on all the Shares (other than Shares which were fully paid)
registered in the name of any Shareholder to secure the payment of moneys which
are due from him or from his property, whether with respect to his own debts or
debts jointly with others. The said pledge shall also apply to dividends,
declared from time to time, with respect to these Shares. |
|
12.2. |
For purposes of the realization of any such pledge and or lien, the Board of
Directors is entitled to sell the Shares which are the subject of the pledge or
lien, or any part of them, as it deems fit. No sale, as aforesaid, shall be
carried out, until the date fixed for the payment has passed and a notice in
writing was transferred to same Shareholder with respect to the intention of the
Company to sell them, on condition that the amounts were not paid within
fourteen days after the notice. |
|
12.3. |
The proceeds of any such sale, after deduction for the payment of the sale
expenses, shall serve for the covering of the debts or obligations of said
Shareholder, and the balance (if any) shall be paid to him. |
|
12.4. |
In the event that a sale of Shares was carried out pursuant to the realization
of a pledge or a lien, pursuant to the presumptive authority conferred above,
the Board of Directors is entitled to register such Shares in the Shareholder
Register in favor of the buyer, and the buyer shall not be under the obligation
to examine the fitness of such actions or the manner in which the purchase price
paid for such Shares was used. After the said Shares are registered in the
Shareholder Register in favor of the buyer, no person shall have the right to
object to the validity of the sale. |
13. |
Changes in the Share Capital |
|
The
General Meeting is entitled to take any of the following actions at all times, so long as
the resolution of the General Meeting is adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
13.1. |
Increasing
the Share Capital |
15
|
To
increase the share capital of the Company, regardless of whether all the Shares registered
at such a time were issued or not. The increased share capital shall be divided into
Shares having ordinary rights or preference rights or deferred rights or other special
rights (subject to the special rights of an existing class of Shares) or subject to
conditions and restrictions with respect to entitlement to dividend, return of capital,
voting or other conditions, as may be instructed by the General Meeting in a resolution
with respect to the increase of the share capital, and in the absence of a special
provision, according to the terms determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
To
divide the share capital of the Company into various classes of Shares, and to set and
change the rights attaching to each class of Shares, according to the conditions
specified below: |
|
13.2.1. |
So
long as it was not otherwise set in the Share allotment conditions, the rights
of any class may be changed pursuant to a resolution of the General Meeting of
the Shareholders of each class of Shares, separately, or upon the written
consent of all the Shareholders of all classes. |
|
13.2.2. |
The
rights conferred on the holders of Shares of a certain class shall not be
deemed to have been changed as a result of the creation or allotment of other
Shares having identical rights, unless it was otherwise stipulated in the
allotment conditions of said Shares. |
|
13.3. |
Amalgamation
and Redivision of the Share Capital |
|
To
amalgamate and redivide the share capital of the Company, entirely or partially, into
Shares having a higher or lesser par value than that stated in these Articles of
Association. In the event that in consequence of such amalgamation, there are
Shareholders left with fractions of Shares, the Board of Directors if approved by the
Shareholders at a General Meeting in adopting the resolution for amalgamation of the
capital, may agree as follows: |
|
13.3.1. |
To
sell the total of all the fractional shares and to appoint a trustee for this
purpose, in whose name Share Certificates representing the fractions shall be
issued, who will sell them, with the proceeds received after the deduction of
commissions and expenses to be distributed to those entitled. The Board of
Directors shall be entitled to decide that Shareholders who are entitled to
proceeds which are below an amount determined by it, shall not receive the
proceeds of the sale of the fractional shares, and their share in the proceeds
shall be distributed among the Shareholders who are entitled to proceeds, in an
amount greater than the amount that was determined, relative to the proceeds to
which they are entitled; |
16
|
13.3.2. |
To
allot to any Shareholder, who is left with a fractional Share following the
amalgamation, Shares of the class of Shares prior to the amalgamation, which
are fully paid, in such a number, the amalgamation of which together with the
fractional Share shall complete a whole Share, and an allotment as stated shall
be viewed as valid shortly before the amalgamation; |
|
13.3.3. |
To
determine that Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive a Share in
exchange for a fractional Share resulting from the amalgamation of a half or
smaller fraction of the number of Shares, whose amalgamation creates a single
Share, and they shall be entitled to receive a whole Share in exchange for a
fractional Share, resulting from the amalgamation of more than a half of the
number of Shares, whose amalgamation creates a whole Share. |
|
In
the event that an action pursuant to Articles 13.3.2 or 13.3.3 above requires the
allotment of additional Shares, their payment shall be effected in a manner similar to
that applicable the payment of Bonus bonus Shares shares . An amalgamation and redivision, as aforesaid,
shall not be regarded as a change in the rights attaching to the Shares which are the
subject of the amalgamation and redivision. |
|
13.4. |
Cancellation
of Unissued Share Capital |
|
To
cancel registered share capital which has not yet been allotted
or has been purchased by the Company,
so long as the Company is not under an obligation to allot these Shares. |
|
13.5. |
The
Division of the Share Capital |
|
To
divide the share capital of the Company, entirely or partially, into Shares having a lower
par value than those stated in these Articles of Association, by way of dividing the
Shares of the Company at such a time, entirely or partially. |
|
13.6. |
The
provisions specified in this Article 13 shall also apply to other equity
Securities of the Company, mutatis mutandis. |
17
Chapter Three
General Meetings
14. |
The
Authority of the General Meeting |
|
14.1. |
Subjects
within the authority of the General Meeting |
|
The
following matters shall require the approval of the General Meeting: |
|
14.1.1. |
Changes
in the Articles of Association, if adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.2. |
The
exercise of the authority of the Board of Directors, if resolved by a Special
Majority that the Board of Directors is incapable of exercising its authority,
and that the exercise of any of its authority is essential to the orderly
management of the Company. |
|
14.1.3. |
The
appointment or reappointment of the Companys auditor, the termination or
non-renewal of his service, and to the extent required by Law and not delegated
to the Board of Directors, the determination of his fee. |
|
14.1.4. |
The
appointment of Directors, including external Directors. |
|
14.1.5. |
To
the extent required by the provisions of Sections 255
and 268-275 of the
Companies Law, the approval of actions and transactions with interested parties
and also the approval of an action or a transaction of an officer which might
constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty. |
|
14.1.6. |
Changes
in the share capital of the Company, if adopted by a Special Majority as set
forth in Article 13 above. |
|
14.1.7. |
A
merger of the Company, as defined in the Companies Law except in the case the
approval of the General Meeting is not required under the Companies Law. |
|
14.1.8. |
Changes
in the objectives of the Company as set forth in Article 4 above, if adopted by
a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.9. |
Changes
in the name of the Company, if adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.10. |
Liquidation,
if adopted by a Special Majority. |
|
14.1.11. |
Settlements
or Arrangements pursuant to Section 350-351
233 of the Companies Ordinance
Law. |
|
14.1.12. |
Any
other matters which applicable Law requires to be dealt with at General
Meetings of the Company. |
18
|
14.2. |
The
authority of the General Meeting to transfer authorities between corporate
organs. |
|
The
General Meeting, by a Special Majority, may assume the authority which is given to another
corporate organ, and may transfer the authority which is given to the General Manager to
the Board of Directors. |
|
The
taking or transferring of authorities, as aforesaid, shall be with regard to a specific
issue or for a specific period of time, all as stated in the resolution of the General
Meeting. |
15. |
Kinds
of General Meetings |
|
A
General Meeting shall be convened at least once a year, within fifteen months of the last
general meeting. The meeting shall be held at the registered offices of the Company,
unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. These General Meetings shall be
referred to as Annual Meetings. |
|
15.1.1. |
An
Annual Meeting shall be convened to review and consider
approve the following: |
|
(One) |
The
Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors, as of December
31st of the calendar year preceding the year of the annual meeting. |
|
(Two) |
The
Report of the Board of Directors with respect to the fee paid to the Companys
auditor. |
|
15.1.2. |
The
Annual Meeting may shell be convened to adopt resolutions on the following matters: |
|
(One) |
The
appointment of Directors and the termination of their office in accordance with
Article 23 below. |
|
(Two) |
The
appointment of an auditor or the renewal of his office, and authorization of
the Board of Directors to determine his fee, subject to the provisions of
Article 29 below. |
|
(Three) |
Any
other matter, as determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
15.2. |
Extraordinary
Meetings |
|
General
Meetings of the Shareholders of the Company, which are not convened in accordance with the
provisions of Article 15.1 above, shall be referred to as Extraordinary
Meetings. An Extraordinary Meeting shall discuss and decide in all matters which are
not discussed and decided in the Annual Meeting, and for which the Extraordinary Meeting
was convened. |
19
|
The
provisions of these Articles of Association with respect to General Meetings shall apply,
mutatis mutandis, to meetings of a class of Shareholders of the Company. |
16. |
The
Holding of General Meetings |
|
16.1. |
The
Convening of the Annual Meeting |
|
The
Board of Directors shall convene Annual Meetings in accordance with the provisions of
Article 15.1 above. |
|
16.2. |
The
Convening of an Extraordinary Meeting |
|
The
Board of Directors may convene an Extraordinary Meeting, as it decides, provided, however,
that it shall be obligated to convene an Extraordinary Meeting upon the demand of one of
the following: |
|
16.2.1. |
Any
two Directors or a quarter of the Directors, whichever is lower; or |
|
16.2.2. |
any
one or more Shareholders, holding alone or together at least 4.99% of the
issued share capital of the Company. |
|
16.3. |
Date
of Convening an Extraordinary Meeting Upon Demand |
|
The
Board of Directors, which is required to convene a general meeting in accordance with
Article 16.2 above shall announce the convening of the General Meeting within twenty-one
(21) days from the receipt of a demand in that respect, and the date fixed for the meeting
shall not be more than thirty-five (35) days from the publication date of the announcement
of the General Meeting. |
|
In
the event that the Board of Directors shall not have convened an Extraordinary Meeting, as
required in this Article, those demanding its convening or half of the Shareholders which
demand it subject to Article 16.2.2, are entitled to convene the meeting themselves, so
long as it is convened within three months from the date on which the demand was filed,
and it shall be convened, inasmuch as possible, in the same manner by which meetings are
convened by the Board of Directors. In the event that a General Meeting is convened as
aforesaid, the Company shall bear the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by those
demanding it. |
|
16.4. |
Notice of Convening a General Meeting
Deleted |
|
Unless
otherwise prescribed by Law, a notice of a general meeting shall be sent to each
registered Shareholder of the Company at least twenty-one (21) days
prior to the date fixed for the meeting. |
|
A
General Meeting may be convened following a shorter notice period, if the written
consent of all the Shareholders who are entitled at such time to receive notices has
been obtained. A waiver by a Shareholder can also be made in writing after the fact
and even after the convening of the General Meeting. |
20
|
16.5. |
Contents
of the Notice |
|
Subject
to the provisions of any Law, a notice with respect to a general meeting shall specify the
agenda of the meeting, the location, the proposed resolutions and also the arrangements
for voting by means of a deed of voting or a deed of authorization, and the requirements
of Article 10A.2.1. |
|
Any
notice to be sent to the Shareholders shall also include a draft of the proposed
resolutions or a concise description of their particulars. |
17. |
The
Agenda of General Meetings |
|
17.1. |
The
agenda of the General Meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors
and shall also include issues for which an Extraordinary Meeting is being
convened in accordance with Article 15.2 above, or demanded in accordance
with Article 17.2 below. |
|
17.2. |
One
or more Shareholders holding alone or in the aggregate, 4.99% or more of the
share capital of the Company may request that the Board of Directors
include an issue on the agenda of a general meeting to be convened in the
future. The Board of Directors shall incorporate such issue on the agenda
of such a future general meeting, provided that the Board of Directors
determines, in its discretion, such issue is suitable to be discussed in
the General Meeting of the Company. |
|
17.3. |
The
General Meeting shall only adopt resolutions on issues which are on its
agenda. |
|
17.4. |
So
long as it is not otherwise prescribed by
the Law does not otherwise prescribe it ,
the General Meeting is entitled to accept or reject a proposed resolution which is on the agenda of the
General Meeting or to change it,
if the change is insignificant, or if the change may only benefit the Company, or if the change is permitted under
the Law.
, the draft or concise description of the particulars of which were published by the Company,
including slight alterations, however, it is not entitled to take a
resolution, which is materially different than the proposed resolution.
|
18. |
Discussions
in General Meetings |
|
No
discussion shall be held in the General Meeting unless a lawful quorum is present. Subject
to the requirements of the applicable Law in force at the time these Articles of
Association come into force, the rules of the Nasdaq National Market, the London Stock
Exchange and any other exchange on which the Companys securities are or may become
quoted or listed, and the provisions of these Articles, any two Shareholders, present by
themselves or by means of a proxy, or who have delivered to the Company a Deed of Voting
indicating their manner of voting, and who hold or represent at least one-third of the
voting rights in the Company shall constitute a lawful quorum. A Shareholder or his proxy,
who may also serve as a proxy for other Shareholders, shall be regarded as two
Shareholders or more, in accordance with the number of Shareholders he is representing. |
21
|
18.2. |
Deferral
of the General Meeting in the Absence of Lawful Quorum |
|
In
the event that a legal quorum is not present after the lapsing of 30 minutes from the time
specified in the convening notice for the commencement of the meeting, the meeting may be
adjourned to the same day of the following week (or the first business day thereafter) at
the same time and venue, or to another time and venue, as determined by the Board of
Directors in a notice to the Shareholders, and the adjourned meeting shall discuss the
same issues for which the original meeting was convened. If at the adjourned meeting, a
legal quorum is not present at the time specified for the commencement of the meeting,
then and in such event one or more Shareholders holding or representing in the aggregate
at least 10% of the voting rights in the Company shall be deemed to form a proper quorum,
subject to the provisions of Section 79 of the Companies Law. |
|
18.3. |
The
Chairman of the General Meeting |
|
The
chairman of the Board of Directors (if appointed) shall preside at each General Meeting.
In the absence of the chairman, or if he fails to appear at the meeting within 15 minutes
after the time fixed for the meeting, the Shareholders present at the meeting shall choose
any one of the Directors of the Company as the chairman, and if there is no Director
present at the meeting, one of the Shareholders shall be chosen to preside over the
meeting. The chairman shall not have an additional vote or casting vote. |
|
Upon
adoption of a resolution at a General Meeting at which a lawful quorum is present, the
chairman may and upon demand of the General Meeting shall adjourn the General Meeting , or
the discussion or a proposed resolution which is on the agenda of the General Meeting,
from time to time and from venue to venue, as the meeting may decide (for the purpose of
this Article: an Adjourned Meeting). In the event that a meeting is adjourned for fourteen days or more,
a notice of the Adjourned Meeting shall be given only if necessary under the Law and/or
any relevant stock exchange rules applicable to the Company. in the same
manner as the notice of the original meeting. With the exception of the
aforesaid, a Shareholder shall not be entitled to receive notice of an Adjourned Meeting
or of the issues, which are to be discussed in the Adjourned Meeting. The Adjourned
Meeting shall only discuss issues that could have been discussed at the General Meeting
which was adjourned. The provisions of Articles 17.1, 17.2 and 17.3 of the Articles of
Association shall apply to an Adjourned Meeting and subject to the applicable Law and/or
any relevant stock exchange rules applicable to the Company.. |
22
19. |
Voting
of the Shareholders |
|
In
any General Meeting, a proposed resolution shall be adopted if it receives an Ordinary
Majority, or any other majority of votes set by Law or in accordance with these Articles
of Association. For the avoidance of doubt, any proposed resolution requiring a Special
Majority under the Companies Ordinance shall continue to require the same Special Majority
even after the effective date of the Companies Law. |
|
In
the event of a tie vote, the resolution shall be deemed rejected. |
|
19.2.1. |
The
checking of the majority shall be carried out by means of a count of votes, at
which each Shareholder shall be entitled to vote in each case in accordance
with rights fixed for such Shares, subject to Articles 10A above and Article 44
below. A Shareholder shall be entitled to a single vote for each share he holds
which is fully paid or that Calls of Payment in respect of which was fully
paid. |
|
19.2.2. |
The
announcement of the chairman that a resolution in the General Meeting was
adopted or rejected, whether unanimously or with a specific majority, shall be
regarded as prima facie evidence thereof. |
|
19.3. |
Written Resolutions Deleted |
|
Subject
to the provisions of applicable Law, a written resolution signed by all of the
Shareholders of the Company holding Shares which entitle their holders to participate
in General Meetings of the Company and vote therein, or of the same class of Shares to
which the resolution refers, as the case may be, shall be regarded as a valid resolution
for all purposes, and as a resolution adopted at a General Meeting of the Company or at
a class meeting of the relevant class of Shares, as the case may be, which was
properly summoned and convened, for the purpose of adopting such a resolution.
Such a resolution could be stated in several copies of the same document, each of them signed by one
Shareholder or by several Shareholders. |
|
19.4. |
The Determining Date with Respect to Participation and Voting Deleted |
|
In
the event that a General Meeting was summoned more than twenty-one (21) days prior to
the date fixed for its convening, the Shareholders who are entitled to participate
and vote in same General Meeting shall be those Shareholders who are registered in
the Shareholder Register of the Company on the date twenty-one (21) days prior to the
date of the meeting. In the event that a General Meeting was summoned 21 days or less
prior to the date fixed for its convening, the Shareholders who are entitled to
participate and vote in the same General Meeting shall be those shareholders who are
registered in the Shareholder Register of the Company on the date determined by the
Board of Directors but in no event shall the date be less than four days prior to the
date of the meeting. |
|
19.5. |
A
Right to Participate and Vote |
|
A
Shareholder shall not be entitled to participate and vote in any General Meeting or to be
counted among those present, so long as (i) he owes the Company a payment which was called
for the Shares held by him, unless the allotment conditions of the Shares provide
otherwise, and/or (ii) his holdings are registered in the Shareholder Register together
with a notation that such holdings have been classified as Exceptional Holdings, as
defined in Article 10A or Affected Shares, as defined in Article 44. |
23
|
19.6. |
Personal
Interest in Resolutions |
|
A
Shareholder seeking to vote with respect to a resolution which requires that the majority
for its adoption include at least a third of the votes of all those not having a personal
interest (as defined in the Companies Law) in the resolution shall notify the registered
office of the Company before
at least two business days prior to the date of the General Meeting, whether he has a personal interest in
the resolution or not, as a condition for his right to vote and be counted with respect to
such resolution. |
|
A
Shareholder voting on a resolution, as aforesaid, by means of a Deed of Vote, may include
his notice with regard to his personal interest on the Deed of Vote. |
|
19.7. |
The
Disqualification of Deeds of Vote |
|
Subject
to the provisions of applicable Law, the corporate secretary of the Company may, in his
discretion, disqualify deed of vote (hereinafter:
Deeds of Vote
) and deed of
authorization (hereinafter: Deeds of Authorization ) and so notify the
Shareholder who submitted a Deed of Vote or Deeds of Authorization in the following cases: |
|
19.7.1. |
If
there is a reasonable suspicion that they are forged; |
|
19.7.2. |
If
there is a reasonable suspicion that they are falsified, or given with respect
to Shares for which one or more Deeds of Vote or deeds of authorization have
been given and not withdrawn; or |
|
19.7.3. |
If
there is no note on the Deed of Vote or Deed of Authorization as to whether or
not his holding in the Company or his vote require the consent of the Minister
of Communications pursuant to Sections 21 and 23 to the License. |
|
19.7.4. |
With
respect to Deeds of Vote: |
|
(One) |
If
more than one choice is marked for the same resolution; or |
|
(Two) |
With
respect to resolutions which require that the majority for their adoption
includes a third of the votes of those not having a personal interest in the
approval of the resolution, where it was not marked whether the relevant
Shareholder has a personal interest or not, as aforesaid. |
|
Any
Shareholder shall be entitled to appeal on any such disqualification to the Board of
Directors at least one business Business
day Day prior to the relevant General Meeting. |
24
|
19.8. |
The
Voting of a Person without Legal Capacity |
|
A
person without legal capacity is entitled to vote only by means of a trustee or a legal
custodian. Such trustee or legal custodian may vote in person, by Deed of Vote or by
means of a proxy. |
|
19.9. |
The
Voting of Joint Holders of a Share |
|
Where
two or more Shareholders are registered joint holders of a Share, only the first named
joint holder shall vote, either in person or by means of a proxy or by means of a Deed of
Vote, without taking into account the other registered joint holders of the Share. For
this purpose, the first named joint holder shall be the person whose name is registered
first in the Shareholder Register. |
|
19.10. |
Minutes
of the General Meeting |
|
The
chairman of the General Meeting shall cause that the minutes of each General Meeting
shall be properly maintained and shall include the following: |
|
19.10.1. |
The
name of each Shareholder present in person, by Deed of Vote or by proxy and
the number of Shares held or represented by him; |
|
19.10.2. |
The
principal issues of the discussion, all the resolutions which were adopted
or rejected at the General Meeting, and if adopted according to
what majority. |
20. |
The
Appointment of a Proxy |
|
20.1. |
Voting
by Means of a Proxy |
|
A
Shareholder registered in the Shareholder Register is entitled to appoint by deed
Deed of
authorization Authorization a proxy to participate and vote in his stead, whether at a certain General
Meeting or generally at General Meetings of the Company, whether personally or by means
of a Deed of Vote, so long as the deed Deed
of authorization Authorization with respect to the appointment
of the proxy was delivered to the Company at least two Business Days prior to the date of
the General Meeting. |
|
In
the event that the deed of authorization is not limited to a certain General Meeting,
then the deed of authorization, which was deposited prior to a certain General Meeting,
shall also be good for other General Meetings thereafter. This Article 20 shall also
apply to a Shareholder which is a corporation, appointing a person to participate and
vote in a General Meeting in its stead. A proxy is not required to be a Shareholder of
the Company. |
|
20.2. |
The
Draft of the Deed of Authorization |
|
The
deed Deed
of authorization Authorization shall be signed by the Shareholder and shall be in or substantially
in the form specified below or any such other form acceptable to the Board of Directors
of the Company. The corporate secretary, in his discretion, may accept a deed Deed of
authorization Authorization differing from that set forth below provided the changes are immaterial. |
25
|
The
corporate secretary shall only accept either an original deed
Deed of
authorization Authorization, or a copy
of the deed of authorization which is certified by a lawyer having an Israeli license or
a notary. |
Deed of Authorization
Date: ________
To: |
Partner
Communications Company Ltd. |
Attn.: |
Corporate
Secretary |
Re: [Annual/Extraordinary] General Meeting of the Company
to be Held On __________________
I,
the undersigned _________________, Identification No. / Registration No. _____________, of
________________, being the registered holder of ________ (*) Shares [Ordinary Shares
having a par value of NIS 0.01, each], hereby authorize ___________, Identification No.
___________ (**) and/or ___________, Identification No. ___________ and/or ___________,
Identification No. ___________ to participate and vote in my stead and on my behalf at the
referenced meeting and in any adjournment of the referenced meeting of the Company / at
any General Meeting of the Company, until I shall otherwise notify you .
Signature
(*) |
A
Shareholder is entitled to give several deeds of authorization, each of which
refers to a different quantity of Shares of the Company held by him, so
long as he shall not give deeds of authorization with respect to an
aggregate number of Shares exceeding the total number he holds. |
(**) |
In
the event that the proxy does not hold an Israeli Identification number,
indicate a passport number, if any, and the name of the country which
issued the passport. |
|
20.3. |
A
vote in accordance with a deed of authorization shall be lawful even if prior
to it, the appointer died or became incapacitated or bankrupt, or if it is
a corporation was liquidated, or if he cancelled the deed of
authorization or transferred the Share in respect of which it was given,
unless a notice in writing was received at the Office of the Company prior
to the meeting with respect to the occurrence of such an event. |
|
21.1. |
A
Shareholder may vote in a General Meeting by means of a Deed of Vote on the
issues specified below, unless the Company is entitled by Law to a partial
or full exemption from the requirement for the delivery of Deeds of Vote,
either generally or specifically: |
26
|
21.1.1. |
The
appointment and dismissal of Directors. |
|
21.1.2. |
The
approval of actions with interested parties, subject to sections 268-275 of
the Companies Law. |
|
21.1.3. |
The
approval of an action by an officer which conflicts with his duty of loyalty
toward the Company, subject to Section 255 of the Companies Law. |
|
21.1.4. |
A
merger subject to Section 320 of the Companies Law. |
|
21.1.5. |
Any
issue which the Articles of Association provide can be voted thereon by
means of a Deed of Vote. |
|
21.1.6. |
Other
issues prescribed by Law. |
|
21.2. |
The
Draft of the Deed of Vote |
|
The
Deed of Vote shall be signed by the Shareholder and shall be in or substantially in the
form specified below, or any such other form acceptable to the Board of Directors of the
Company. The corporate secretary or any one authorized by the Board of Directors to
convene the meeting, shall be entitled to amend the form of the Deed of Vote in
accordance with the resolutions on the agenda. |
27
Deed of Vote
Date: ________
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
[Address of the Company]
Re: [Annual/Extraordinary] General Meeting of the Shareholders
to be on ___________________
I, the undersigned _________________,
Identification No. / Registration No. _____________, of ________________, being the
registered holder / the holder an appropriate Deed of Authorization, attached hereto (*)
of ________ (**) Ordinary Shares having a par value of NIS 0.01 each, hereby notify you
that my vote in the General Meeting and in any adjourned meeting of the Company is as
specified below.
Item No. of the
Resolution on the
Agenda |
Subject of the
Resolution |
Vote (***) |
Personal Interest of the
Shareholder in the Resolution
(****) |
|
|
In Favor |
Abstain |
Against |
Yes |
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
I,
the undersigned, hereby declare that either my holdings or my vote require the consent of
the Minister of Communications pursuant to Sections 21 or 23 to the License. (*****) |
o
|
I,
the undersigned, hereby declare that neither my holdings nor my vote, require the consent
of the Minister of Communications pursuant to Sections 21 or 23 to the License. (*****) |
(*) |
In
the event that the Shares are held by means of a Registration Company, a
power of attorney on behalf of the Registration Company should be
enclosed and the Deed of Vote should be signed. |
(**) |
In
the event that a Shareholder wishes to vote in a different manner with
respect to each part of his Shares, a separate Deed of Vote should be
filed for each quantity of Shares in respect of which he intends to
vote differently. |
28
(***) |
An
X should be marked in the appropriate column and with respect to
each resolution. In the event that more than one choice are marked
for a certain resolution, the vote in respect of that resolution
shall be disqualified. |
(****) |
In
resolutions for which a majority which includes a third of the votes of those
not having a personal interest in the transaction is required for
adoption, an X should be marked in the appropriate column. If an X is
not marked in either column, the vote in respect of the same
resolution shall be disqualified. |
(*****)An |
X should
be marked in the appropriate column. If an X is not marked in either column, or if an X
is marked in both column, the vote shall be disqualified. |
|
21.3. |
The
Sending of a Deed of Vote |
|
The
Deed of Vote shall be sent by the Company to the Shareholders who are registered in the
Shareholder Register of the Company and who are entitled to vote in the General Meeting,
together with the notice with respect to General Meetings. |
|
The
Deed of Vote shall be sent by the Company and at its expense. |
|
21.4. |
Manner
of Use of the Deed of Vote |
|
A
duly executed Deed of Vote which was received at the Office of the Company at least two
Business Days prior to the date of the General Meeting shall constitute the participation
and voting of the Shareholder who has delivered it, for each and every purpose, including
for the purpose of determining the lawful quorum at a meeting. A Deed of Vote received by
the Company, in accordance with this Article, with respect to a certain issue, at which
voting in the General Meeting did not take place, shall be viewed as an abstain with
respect to the resolution to adjourn the meeting and, at the adjourned meeting, shall be
voted in accordance with the manner set forth therein. |
|
21.5. |
Board Recommendation Deleted |
|
The
Board of Directors and any other person lawfully demanding the holding of
an extraordinary General Meeting may send to the Shareholders a
recommendation in order to persuade the Shareholders with respect to
the items which are on the agenda of said meeting. The recommendation
shall be delivered at the expense of the Company together with the Deed
of Vote. In the event that a General Meeting is convened with
respect to any of the issues specified in Article 21.1 above, a
Shareholder may submit to the Company a request that a recommendation
be delivered on his behalf to the other Shareholders. Unless it is otherwise
prescribed by Law, the said recommendation shall be delivered
at the expense of the Shareholder, and only if it was received at
the registered office of the Company at least 10 days prior to the
General Meeting. |
|
The
Board of Directors of the Company may send to the Shareholders a recommendation
in response to a recommendation delivered in accordance with the provisions of
this Article, or in response to any other submission to the Shareholders. Such
recommendation shall be delivered at the expense of the Company. |
|
21.6 |
This
Article 21, shall become effective only when Sections 87-89 of the Companies Law
come into effect. Nevertheless, the Company may issue Proxy
statements and Proxy cards to Shareholders, who may vote in a
general meeting by means of Proxy cards even before this Article shall
become effective. |
|
21.6. |
This
Article 21, shall become effective only when Sections 87-89 of the
Companies Law come into effect. Nevertheless, the Company may issue Proxy
statements and Proxy cards to Shareholders, who may vote in a general
meeting by means of Proxy cards even before this Article shall become
effective. |
Chapter Four
The Board of Directors
22. |
The
Authority of the Board of Directors |
|
22.1. |
The
authority of the Board of Directors is as specified both in the Law and in
the provisions of these Articles of Association. |
|
22.2. |
Signature
Authority and Powers of Attorney |
29
|
22.2.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall determine the person(s) with authority to sign for
and on behalf of the Company with respect to various issues. The signature
of such person(s), appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors,
whether generally or for a specific issue, whether alone or together with
others, or together with the seal or the stamp of the Company or its
printed name, shall bind the Company, subject to the terms and conditions
set by the Board of Directors. |
|
22.2.2. |
The
Board of Directors may set separate signature authorities with respect to
different issues and different amounts. |
|
22.2.3. |
The
Board of Directors may, from time to time, authorize any person to be the
representative of the Company with respect to those objectives and subject
to those conditions and for that time period, as the Board of Directors
deems fit. The Board of Directors may also grant any representative the
authority to delegate any or all of the authorities, powers and discretion
given to the Board of Directors. |
|
22.3. |
The
Registered Office of the Company |
|
The
Board of Directors shall fix the location of the Office of the Company. |
23. |
The
Appointment of Directors and the Termination of Their Office |
|
23.1. |
The
Number of Directors |
|
The
number of Directors in the Company shall not be less than seven (7) or more than
seventeen (17). |
|
23.2. |
The
Identity of a Director |
|
23.2.1. |
A
member of the Board of Directors may hold another position with the Company. |
|
23.2.2. |
A
corporation may serve as a Director in the Company, subject to the provisions
of Article 23.6 below. |
|
23.2.3. |
For
as long as any individual or an entity which is an Interested Party in the
Company is also an Interested Party in Cellcom (Israel) Ltd. (hereinafter
Cellcom), such Interested Party or an Office Holder of an
Interested Party in Cellcom or an Office Holder of any entity controlled
by an Interested Party in Cellcom (other than Elron Electronic Industries
Ltd (Elron) or an entity controlled by Elron) will not serve
as an Office Holder of the Company, and no Interested Party in Cellcom or
any entity controlled by such Interested Party, may appoint more than two
Directors to the Board of Directors of the Company. For the purposes of
this Article, the terms control, Interested Party and
Office Holder shall bear the same meaning as in, and shall be
interpreted in accordance with, the License. |
30
|
23.2.4. |
The
Board of Directors shall include independent and/or external Directors
required to comply with the applicable requirements of any Law, the Nasdaq
Stock Market, the London Stock Exchange and any other investment exchange
on which the securities of the Company are or may become quoted or listed.
The requirements of the Companies Law applicable to an external Director (Dahatz)
shall prevail over the provisions of these Articles of Association to the
extent these Articles of Associations are inconsistent with the Companies
Law, and shall apply to the extent these Articles of Associations are
silent. |
|
23.2.5. |
At
least 10% of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be
comprised of Qualified Israeli Directors. Notwithstanding the above, if
the board is comprised of up to 14 members, one Qualified Israeli Director
shall be sufficient, and if the board is comprised of between 15 and 24
members, two Qualified Israeli Directors shall be sufficient. |
|
23.2.6. |
Notwithstanding
any other provision of these Articles, a Qualified Israeli Director shall
be appointed as a member of the Board of Directors, and may be removed
from such office, only upon written notice to the Company Secretary of his
or her appointment or removal by the Founding Israeli Shareholders holding
Minimum Israeli Holding Shares. For purposes of this section, a notice
signed by at least two of the Founding Israeli Shareholders who are the
record holders of at least 50% of Minimum Israeli Holding Shares shall be
deemed to be sufficient notice on behalf of all holders of Minimum Israeli
Holding Shares. |
|
23.3. |
The
Election of Directors and their Terms of Office |
|
23.3.1. |
The
Directors shall be elected at each Annual Meeting and shall serve in office
until the close of the next Annual Meeting, unless their office becomes
vacant earlier in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of
Association. Each Director of the Company shall be elected by an Ordinary
Majority at the Annual Meeting; provided, however, that external Directors
shall be elected in accordance with applicable law and/or any relevant
stock exchange rule applicable to the Company. The elected Directors shall
commence their terms from the close of the Annual Meeting at which they
are elected, unless a later date is stated in the resolution with respect
to their appointment. |
|
23.3.2. |
In
each Annual Meeting, the Directors that were elected in the previous Annual
Meeting, and thereafter, in any Extraordinary Meeting shall be deemed to
have resigned from their office. A resigning Director may be reelected. |
31
|
23.3.3. |
Notwithstanding
the other provisions of these Articles of Association and without
derogating from Article 23.4, an Extraordinary Meeting of the Company may
elect any person as a Director, to fill an office which became vacant or to
serve as an external Director (Dahatz) or an independent Director
and also in any event in which the number of the members of the Board of
Directors is less than the minimum set in the Articles of Association. Any
Director elected in such manner (excluding an external Director (Dahatz)
shall serve in office until the coming Annual Meeting, unless his office
becomes vacant earlier in accordance with the provisions of these Articles
of Association and may be reelected. |
|
23.3.4. |
An
elected external Director (Dahatz) shall commence his term from the
date of, and shall serve for the period stated in, the resolution of the
General Meeting at which he was elected, notwithstanding Article 23.3
above, unless his office becomes vacant earlier in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Law. A General Meeting may reelect an external
Director (Dahatz) for additional term(s) as permitted by the
Companies Law. |
|
23.4. |
The
election of Directors by the Board of Directors |
|
The
Board of Directors shall have the right, at all times, upon approval of at least 75% of
the Directors of the Company, to elect any person as a Director, to fill an office which
became vacant, and also in any event in which the number of the members of the Board of
Directors is less than the minimum set in the Articles of Association. Any Director
elected in such manner shall serve in office until the coming Annual Meeting and may be
reelected. |
|
Any
Director may, from time to time, appoint for himself an alternate Director (hereinafter:
the Alternate Director)
and
, dismiss such Alternate Director and also appoint another Alternate Director instead of any Alternate Director, whose office becomes vacant,
due to whatever cause, whether for a
certain meeting or generally , all in accordance with any applicable Law.
. Anyone who is not qualified to be appointed as a Director and also anyone serving as a Director or as an
existing Alternate Director shall not serve as an Alternate Director.
|
|
23.6. |
Representatives
of a Director that is a Corporation |
|
A
Director that is a corporation shall appoint an individual, qualified to be appointed as
a Director in the Company, in order to serve on its behalf, either generally or for a
certain meeting, or for a certain period of time and the said corporation may also
dismiss that individual and appoint another in his stead (hereinafter: Representatives
of a Director). |
|
23.7. |
Manner
of Appointment or Dismissal of an Alternate Director or a Representative
of a Director that is a Corporation |
32
|
Any
appointment or dismissal of Representatives of Directors, when such Directors are
corporations, or of Alternate Directors, shall be made by means of a notice in writing to
the corporate secretary, signed by the appointing or dismissing body and shall become
valid upon the date indicated in the appointment or dismissal notice or upon the date of
its delivery to the corporate secretary, whichever is the later. |
|
23.8. |
Miscellaneous Provisions with Respect to Alternate Directors and Representatives of Directors that are
Corporations. Deleted |
|
23.8.1. |
Any person, whether he is a Director or not, may serve as the representative of a Director, and any one
person may serve as the representative of several Directors. Deleted |
|
23.8.2. |
The Representative of a Director in addition to his own vote, if he is serving as a Director shall have a
number of votes corresponding to the number of Directors represented by him. Deleted |
|
23.8.3. |
An Alternate Director and the Representative of a Director shall have all the authority of the Director for
whom he is serving as an Alternate Director or as a representative, with the exception of the authority to
vote in meetings at which the Director is present in person. Deleted |
|
23.8.4. |
The office of an Alternate Director or a representative of a Director shall automatically become vacant, if
the office of the Director for whom he is serving as an Alternate Director or as a representative becomes
vacant. Deleted |
|
23.9. |
Termination
of the Term of a Director |
|
The
term of a Director shall be terminated in any of the following cases: |
|
23.9.1. |
If
he resigns from his office by way of a signed letter, filed with the
corporate secretary at the Companys Office; |
|
23.9.2. |
If
he is declared bankrupt or if he reaches a settlement with his creditors
within the framework of bankruptcy procedures; |
|
23.9.3. |
If
he is declared by an appropriate court to be incapacitated; |
|
23.9.4. |
Upon
his death and, in the event of a corporation, if a resolution has been
adopted for its voluntary liquidation or a liquidation order has been
issued to it; |
|
23.9.5. |
If
he is removed from his office by way of a resolution, adopted by the General
Meeting of the Company, even prior to the completion of his term of
office; |
|
23.9.6. |
If
he is convicted of a crime, as stated in Section 232 of the Companies Law; or |
|
23.9.7. |
If
his term is terminated by the Board of Directors in accordance with the
provisions of Section 231 of the Companies Law. |
|
23.10. |
The
Implications on the Board of Directors of the Termination of the Term of a
Director. |
33
|
In
the event that an office of a Director becomes vacant, the remaining Directors are
entitled to continue operating, so long as their number has not decreased below the
minimum number of Directors set forth in Article 23.1. |
|
In
the event that the number of Directors decreased below that minimum number, the remaining
Directors shall be entitled to act solely for the convening of a General Meeting of the
Company for the purpose of electing additional Directors to the Board of Directors. |
|
23.11. |
Compensation
of Members of the Board of Directors |
|
Members
of the Board of Directors who do not hold other positions in the Company and who are not
external Directors shall not receive any compensation from the Company, unless such
compensation is approved by the General Meeting and according to the amount determined by
the General Meeting, subject to the provisions of the Law. |
|
The
compensation of the Directors may be fixed, as an all-inclusive payment or as payment for
participation in meetings or in any combination thereof. |
|
The
Company may reimburse expenses incurred by a Director in connection with the performance
of his office, to the extent provided in a resolution of the Board of Directors. |
|
24.1. |
Convening
Meetings of the Board of Directors |
|
24.1.1. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors may convene a meeting of the Board of
Directors at any time. |
|
24.1.2. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall convene a meeting of the Board of
Directors at least four times a year, in a manner allowing the Company to
fulfil the provisions of the Law with respect to the publication of
Financial Statements and reporting to the public. |
|
24.1.3. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall convene a meeting of the Board of
Directors on a specific issue if requested by at least two Directors or
one Director, if he is an external Director, within no more than 14 days
from the date of the request. |
|
24.1.4. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall act forthwith for the convening of
a meeting of the Board of Directors, within 14 days from the time that a
Director in the Company has informed him of a matter related to the
Company in which there is an apparent violation of the Law or a breach of
proper management of the business, or from the time that the auditor of
the Company has reported to him that he had become aware of material flaws
in the accounting oversight of the Company. |
34
|
24.1.5. |
In
the event that a notice or a report of the General Manager requires an action
of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors shall
forthwith convene a meeting of the Board of Directors, which should be
held within 14 days from the date of the notice or the report. |
|
24.2. |
Convening
of a Meeting of the Board of Directors |
|
24.2.1. |
Any
notice with respect to a meeting of the Board of Directors may be given in
writing, so long as the notice is given at least 14 days prior to the date
fixed for the meeting, unless all the members of the Board of Directors or
their Alternate Directors or their representatives agree on a shorter time
period. A notice, as stated, shall be delivered in writing or transmitted
via facsimile or E-mail or through another means of communication, to the
address or facsimile number or to the E-mail address or to an address
where messages can be delivered through other means of communication, as
the case may be, as the Director informed the corporate secretary, upon
his appointment, or by means of a written notice to the corporate
secretary thereafter. |
|
A
notice, which was delivered or transmitted, as provided in this Article, shall be deemed
to be personally delivered to the Director on its delivery date. |
|
24.2.2. |
In
the event that a Director appointed an Alternate Director or a
representative, the notice shall be delivered to the Alternate Director or
the representative, unless the Director instructed that the notice should
be delivered to him as well. |
|
24.2.3. |
The
notice shall include the venue, date and time of the meeting of the Board of
Directors, arrangements with respect to the manner of management of the
meeting (in cases where telecommunications are used), the details of the
issues on its agenda and any other material that the chairman of the Board
of Directors requests be attached to the summoning notice with respect to
the meeting. |
|
24.3. |
The
Agenda of Meetings of Board of Directors |
|
The
agenda of meetings of the Board of Directors shall be determined by the chairman of the
Board of Directors and shall include the following issues: |
|
24.3.1. |
Issues
determined by the chairman of the Board of Directors. |
35
|
24.3.2. |
Issues
for which the meeting is convened in accordance with Article 24.1 above. |
|
24.3.3. |
Any
issue requested by a Director or by the General Manager within a reasonable
time prior to the date of the meeting of the Board of Directors (taking
into account the nature of the issue). |
|
The
quorum for meetings of the Board of Directors shall be a majority of the Directors, which
must include one external Director. |
|
24.5. |
Conducting
a Meeting Through Means of Communication |
|
The
Board of Directors may conduct a meeting of the Board of Directors through the use of any
means of communications, provided all of the participating Directors can hear each other
simultaneously. |
|
24.6. |
Voting
in the Board of Directors |
|
Subject
to Article 23.4 and Article 44, Issues
issues
presented at meetings of the Board of Directors
shall be decided upon by a majority of the votes of the Directors present (or
participating, in the case of a vote through a permitted means of communications) and
voting, subject to the provisions of Article 23.8 above, with respect to Alternate Directors and representatives of Directors that are
corporations. |
|
Each
Director shall have a single vote. |
|
24.7. |
Written
Resolutions |
|
A
written resolution
without a Meeting of the Board
signed by all the Directors
shall be deemed as a resolution
lawfully adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors
if all the Directors who may
participate in such resolution, agreed not to have a meeting in respect of the matter
.
Such a resolution may be made in several copies of the same Document, each of them signed
by
the
one Director or by several Directors
Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Such a resolution may be adopted by signature of only a portion of the Directors, if all of the Directors who
have not signed the resolution were not entitled to participate in the discussion and to vote on such
resolution in accordance with any Law whatsoever, so long as they confirm in writing that they are aware of
the intention to adopt such a resolution. |
|
24.8. |
Resolutions
Approved by Means of Communications |
|
A
resolution approved by use of a means of communications by the Directors shall be deemed
to be a resolution lawfully adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors, and the
provisions of Article 24.6 above shall apply to the said resolution. |
|
24.9. |
The
Validity of Actions of the Directors |
|
All
actions taken in good faith in a meeting of the Board of Directors or by a committee of
the Board of Directors or by any person acting as a Director shall be valid, even if it
subsequently transpires that there was a flaw in the appointment of such a Director or
person acting as such, or if any of them were disqualified, as if any such person was
lawfully appointed and was qualified to serve as a Director. |
36
|
24.10. |
Minutes
of Meetings of the Board of Directors |
|
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall cause that the minutes of meetings of the Board
of Directors shall be properly maintained and shall include the following: |
|
24.10.1. |
Names
of those present and participating at each meeting. |
|
24.10.2. |
All
the resolutions and particulars of the discussion of said meetings. |
|
Any
such minutes signed by the chairman of the Board of Directors presiding over that meeting
or by the chairman of the Board of Directors at the following meeting, shall be viewed as
prima facie evidence of the issues recorded in the minutes. |
25. |
Committees
of the Board of Directors |
|
25.1. |
Subject
to the provisions of the Companies Law, the Board of Directors may
delegate its authorities or any part of them to committees, as they deem
fit, and they may from time to time cancel the delegation of such an
authority. Any such committee, while utilizing an authority as stated, is
obligated to fulfil all of the instructions given to it from time to time
by the Board of Directors. |
|
25.2. |
Subject
to the provisions of the Companies Law, each committee of the Board of
Directors shall consist of at least two
members
Directors, and it may include members who are not Directors, with the exception of the
audit committee which shall consist of at least three (3) Directors, and
all of the external Directors of the Company shall be members of it. A
committee of the Board of Directors may include members who are not
Directors, provided that, it is authorized only to recommend or to advise
the Board of Directors. |
|
25.3. |
The
provisions with respect to meetings of the Board of Directors shall apply to
the meetings and discussions of each committee of the Board of Directors,
with the appropriate changes, provided that no other terms are set by the
Board of Directors in this matter, and provided that the lawful quorum for
the meetings of the committee, as stated, shall be at least a majority of
the members of the committee, unless otherwise required by Law. |
25A. |
Committee
for Security Matters |
|
25A.1. |
Notwithstanding
any other provision in these Articles, the Board of Directors shall
appoint from among its members who have security clearance and security
compatibility to be determined by the General Security Service (Directors
with Clearance) a committee to be designated the Committee for
Security Matters. The members of the Committee for Security Matters
shall include at least four (4) Directors with Clearance including at
least one external director. Subject to section 25A.2 below, security
matters shall be considered only in the context of the Committee for
Security Matters. Any decision of, or action by the Committee for Security
Matters shall have the same effect as if it had been made or taken by the
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consider a security
matter only if required pursuant to section 25A.2 below, and subject to
the terms of that section. For purposes of this section 25A, security
matters shall be defined in the same manner as defined in the Bezeq
Order (Determination of Essential Service Provided by Bezeq-The Israeli
Telecommunications Company Ltd.), 1997, as of March 9, 2005. |
37
|
25A.2. |
Security
matters which the audit committee or board of directors shall be required
to consider in accordance with the mandatory rules of the Companies Law or
other Law applicable to the Company, shall be considered to the extent
necessary only by Directors with Clearance. Other Directors shall not be
entitled to participate in meetings of the audit committee or board of
directors dealing with security matters, or to receive information or
documents related to these matters. A quorum for these meetings shall
include only Directors with Clearance. |
|
25A.3. |
Any
director or officer of the Company who would otherwise be required to receive
information or participate in meetings by virtue of his or her position or
these Articles or any Law, but who is prevented from doing so by the provisions
of this Article 25A, will be released from any liability for any claim of
breach of duty of care to the Company which results from her or his inability
to receive information or participate in meetings, and the Company shall
indemnify any such director or officer and hold her or him harmless to the
maximum extent permitted by law for any injury or damage she or he incurs as a
result of the inability to receive such information or participate in such
meetings. |
|
25A.4. |
The
shareholders at a general meeting shall not be entitled to assume, delegate,
transfer or exercise any of the authorities granted to any other corporate body
in the Company with respect to security matters. |
|
25A.5. |
(1)
The Minister of Communications shall be entitled to appoint an observer (the
Security Observer) to all meetings of the board of directors and
its committees. The Security Observer shall have the security clearance and
security compatibility to be determined by the General Security Service. |
|
|
(2) The
Security Observer shall be an employee of the State of Israel qualified to
serve as a director pursuant to Chapter C of the Government Companies Law,
1975. |
38
|
|
(3) In
addition to any other obligations under Law, the Security Observer shall be
bound to preserve the confidentiality of [information relating to] the
Company, except as required to fulfill his responsibilities as an
observer. The Security Observer will not act as an observer or in any
other position at a competitor of the Company, and will avoid a conflict
between his position as an observer and the interests of the Company. The
Security Observer shall undertake not to serve as an observer or officer
or director, and not serve in any other capacity or be employed, directly
or indirectly, by any entity competing with the Company or in a position
of conflict of interest with the Company during the period of his service
as the Security Observer and for two years after termination of such
period. |
|
|
(4) Notices
of meetings of the board of directors and its committees, including of the
Committee for Security Matters, shall be delivered to the Security Observer,
and he shall be entitled to participate in each such meeting. |
|
|
(5) The
Security Observer shall have the same right to obtain information from the
Company as that of a Director. If the Company believes that specific
information requested is commercially sensitive and not required by the
Security Observer for fulfillment of his duties, the Company may delay
delivery of the information upon notice to the Security Observer. If the
Security Observer still believes the information is needed for his duties,
the matter shall be brought for decision to the head of the General
Security Service. |
|
|
(6) If
the Security Observer believes that the Company has made a decision, or is
about to make a decision, in a security matter, which conflicts with a
provision of the License or section 13 of the Communications Law
(Telecommunications and Broadcasting), 1982 or section 11 of the General
Security Service Law, 2002, he shall promptly notify the Company in
writing. Said notice shall be delivered to the chairman of the board of
directors and chairman of the Committee for Security Matters and shall
provide an appropriate defined period of time, in light of the
circumstances, in which the Company shall be required to correct the
violation or change the decision, to the extent possible. |
26. |
Chairman
of the Board of Directors |
39
|
26.1.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall choose one of its members to serve as the chairman
of the Board of Directors, and shall set in the appointing resolution the
term for his service. |
|
26.1.2. |
Unless
otherwise provided in the appointing resolution, the chairman of the Board
of Directors shall be chosen each and every calendar year at the first
meeting of the Board of Directors held after the General Meeting in which
Directors were appointed to the Company. |
|
26.1.3. |
In
the event that the chairman of the Board of Directors ceases to serve as a
Director in the Company, the Board of Directors in its first meeting held
thereafter shall choose one of its members to serve as a new chairman who
will serve in his position for the term set in the appointing resolution,
and if no period is set, until the appointment of a chairman, as provided
in this Article. |
|
26.1.4. |
In
the event that the chairman of the Board of Directors is absent from a
meeting, the Board of Directors shall choose one of the Directors present
to preside at the meeting. |
|
26.2.1. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside over meetings of the Board
of Directors. |
|
26.2.2. |
In
the event of a deadlock vote, the chairman of the Board of Directors shall
not have an additional or casting vote. |
|
26.2.3. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors is entitled, at all times, at his
initiative or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, to
require reports from the General Manager in matters pertaining to the
business affairs of the Company. |
|
26.3. |
Reservations
with Regard to Actions of the Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
26.3.1. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall not serve as the General Manager of
the Company, unless he is appointed in accordance with the provisions of
Article 27.2 below. |
|
26.3.2. |
The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall not serve as a member of the Audit
Committee. |
Chapter Five
Officers who are not Directors, and the Auditor
|
27.1. |
The
Appointment and Dismissal of the General Manager |
40
|
27.1.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall appoint a General Manager for a fixed period of
time or for an indefinite period of time. The Board of Directors may
appoint more than one General Manager. |
|
27.1.2. |
The
compensation and employment conditions of the General Manager shall be
determined by the Board of Directors in any manner it deems fit. Where the
compensation of the General Manager is regarded by the Board of Directors
in accordance with the Company Law as an exceptional transaction and
also in cases of the granting of a release, insurance, liability for
indemnification or indemnification given by a permit, said compensation
requires the prior approval of the audit committee. |
|
27.1.3. |
The
Board of Directors may from time to time remove the General Manager from his
office or dismiss the General Manager and appoint another or others in his
stead. |
|
27.2. |
The
Chairman of the Board of Directors as the General Manager |
|
27.2.1. |
The
General Meeting of the Company is entitled to authorize the chairman
Chairman
of the
Board of Directors to
serve as
fulfil the position of the General Manager and to exercise his
authority, for periods each one of them not to exceed three (3) years If
such resolution is adopted by the majority, as required in the Companies
Law. so long as the majority of the votes in the General Meeting adopting such a resolution include at least two
thirds of the votes of Shareholders present and entitled to vote at the meeting who are not controlling
Shareholders of the Company as defined in the Companies Law or representatives of any of them. Abstain
votes shall not be taken into account in the counting of the votes of the Shareholders. |
|
27.2.2. |
The
validity of a resolution provided in Article 27.2.1 above is restricted to a
maximum period of three years from the date of the adoption of the
resolution by the General Meeting. In the event that no period was set in
the resolution, the period shall be deemed to be for three years. Prior to
the completion of the three year period, as aforesaid, and even after the
end of this period, the General Meeting is entitled to extend the validity
of such resolution. |
|
27.2.3. |
A
resolution, as stated, may relate to the authority of the chairman of the
Board of Directors, generally, or to a specific person who is serving as
the chairman of the Board of Directors. |
|
27.3. |
The
Authority of the General Manager and Subordination to the Board of Directors |
|
27.3.1. |
The
General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs
of the Company within the framework of the policy set by the Board of
Directors and subject to its instructions. |
|
The
General Manager shall have all administrative and operational authority which were not
conferred by Law or pursuant to these Articles of Association to any other corporate
organ of the Company, and he shall be under the supervision of the Board of Directors and
subject to its instructions. |
41
|
The
General Manager shall appoint and dismiss officers of the Company, with the exception of
Directors, and he shall also determine the terms of their employment, unless otherwise
resolved by the Board of Directors and provided, however, that the appointment and
dismissal of senior managers of the Company shall require consultation with and approval
by the Board of Directors. |
|
27.3.2. |
The
Board of Directors may instruct the General Manager on how to act with
respect to a certain issue. If the General Manager fails to fulfil the
instruction, the Board of Directors may exercise the required authority in
order to act in the place of the General Manager. |
|
The
Board of Directors may assume the authority granted to the General Manager, either with
respect to a certain issue or for a certain period of time. |
|
27.3.3. |
In
the event that the General Manager is unable to exercise his authority, the
Board of Directors may exercise such authority in his stead, or authorize
another to exercise such authority. |
|
27.4. |
Reporting
Duties of the General Manager |
|
The
General Manager is obligated to notify the chairman of the Board of Directors of any
exceptional matter which is material to the Company, or of any material deviation by the
Company from the policy set by the Board of Directors. In the event that the Company
shall be without a chairman of the Board of Directors for whatever reason the General
Manager shall notify all the members of the Board of Directors, as aforesaid. The General
Manager shall deliver to the Board of Directors reports on issues, at such time and in
such scope, as is determined by the Board of Directors. |
|
27.5. |
Delegating
Authority of the General Manager |
|
The
General Manager, upon approval of the Board of Directors, may delegate to his
subordinates any of his authority. However, such delegation of authority shall not
release the General Manager from his liability. |
28. |
The
Corporate Secretary, Internal Controller and Other Officers of the Company |
|
28.1. |
The
corporate secretary |
|
28.1.1. |
The
Board of Directors is entitled to appoint a corporate secretary on terms it
deems fit, joint secretaries, subsecretaries and to determine the
areas of their functions and authorities. |
42
|
28.1.2. |
In
the event that no corporate secretary has been appointed, the General Manager
or anyone authorized by him shall fulfil the functions assigned to the
corporate secretary, in accordance with any Law, to these Articles of
Association and the resolutions of the Board of Directors. |
|
28.1.3. |
The
corporate secretary shall be responsible for all documents which are kept at
the Office, as stated in Section 124 of the Companies Law, and he shall
manage all the registries maintained by the Company in accordance with the
Law or Companies Law. |
|
28.2. |
Internal
Controller |
|
28.2.1. |
The
internal controller of the Company shall report to the chairman of the Board
of Directors. |
|
28.2.2. |
The
internal controller shall file with the Board of Directors a proposal for an
annual or other periodic work plan, which shall be approved by the Board
of Directors, subject to any changes it deems fit. |
|
28.3. |
Other
Officers of the Company |
|
The
Board of Directors may decide that in addition to the General Manager and the corporate
secretary, other officers may be appointed, whether generally or for a specific issue. In
such event, the Board of Directors shall appoint the officer, define his position and
authority, and set his compensation and terms of employment. |
|
The
Board of Directors is entitled to authorize the General Manager to fulfil any or all of
its authorities, as stated. |
|
29.1. |
The
Shareholders at the Annual Meeting shall appoint an auditor for a period
until the close of the following Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting may
appoint an auditor for a period not to extend beyond the close of the
third Annual Meeting following the Annual Meeting in which he was
appointed. In the event that the auditor was appointed for said period,
the Annual Meeting shall not address the appointment of the auditor during
said period, unless a resolution is adopted with respect to the
termination of his service. |
43
|
29.2. |
The
General Meeting is entitled at all times to terminate the service of the
auditor or to decide not to renew it. |
|
29.3. |
The
Board of Directors shall determine the compensation of the auditor of the
Company , upon recommendation of the audit committee, and it shall report
in that respect to the Annual Meeting of the Company. |
|
29.4. |
The
Board of Directors shall set the compensation of the auditor , upon
recommendation of the audit committee, for additional services which are
not regarded as oversight activities, including payments and obligations
of the Company to the auditor and it shall report in this respect at the
Annual Meeting of the Company. |
44
Chapter Six The
Share Capital of the Company and its Distribution
30. |
Permitted
Distributions |
|
In
this Chapter, the following terms shall be construed, in accordance with their definition
in Sections 301 and 302 of the Companies Law: distribution, acquisition,
profits, profit test, adjusted financial statements and
balances. |
|
30.2. |
Distribution
of Profits |
|
The
Company shall not make any distribution except from its profits, provided that the
Company shall not make any distribution if there is a reasonable fear that such
distribution shall preclude the Company from having the ability to meet its present and
anticipated liabilities, as they become due. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Company,
with the approval of the Court, is entitled to make a distribution which fails to meet
the profit test. |
|
30.3. |
Allotment
for a Consideration Below the Par Value |
|
In
the event the Board of Directors decides to allot Shares having a par value, for
consideration which is less than their par value, including Bonus Shares, the Company
shall convert into share capital from its profits, premium on its Shares, or any other
source, included in its shareholders equity, as stated in its most recent Financial
Statements, an amount equal to the difference between the par value and the consideration. |
|
Even
if the aforesaid is not done, with the approval of the Court, the Company shall be
entitled to make an allotment of Shares, for consideration which is less than their par
value. |
31. |
Dividends
and Bonus Shares |
|
31.1. |
Right
to Dividends or Bonus Shares |
|
31.1.1. |
A
Shareholder of the Company shall have the right to receive dividends or Bonus
Shares, if the Company so decides in accordance with Article 31.2 below,
consistent with the rights attaching to such Shares. |
|
31.1.2. |
Dividends
or Bonus Shares shall be distributed or allotted to those who are
registered in the Shareholder Register on the date of the resolution
approving the distribution or allotment or upon a latter date, if another
date is determined for this purpose in same resolution (hereinafter: the
Determining Date). |
45
|
31.1.3. |
In
the event that the share capital of the Company consists of Shares having
various par values, dividends or Bonus Shares shall be distributed in
proportion to the par value of each Share. |
|
31.1.4. |
Subject
to special rights conferred upon Shares in accordance with the conditions
of their allotment, profits of the Company which the Company decides to
distribute as a dividend or as Bonus Shares shall be paid in proportion to
the amount which was paid or credited on the account of the par value of
the Shares, held by the Shareholder. |
|
31.1.5. |
In
the event that it was not otherwise determined in the conditions applicable
to the allotment of the Shares or in a resolution of the General Meeting,
all the dividends or Bonus Shares with respect to Shares, which were not
fully paid within the period in which the dividends or Bonus Shares are
paid, shall be paid in proportion to the amounts which were actually paid
or credited as paid on the par value of the Shares during any part of said
period (pro rata temporis). |
|
31.2. |
Resolution
of the Company with Respect to a Dividend or Bonus Shares |
|
31.2.1. |
The
Authority to Distribute Dividends or Bonus Shares |
|
The
resolution of the Company on the distribution of a dividend or Bonus Shares to be
distributed to the Shareholders according to their respective rights and benefits, and on
their time of payment, shall be made by the General Meeting, after the recommendation of
the Board of Directors is presented. The General Meeting may accept the recommendation or
diminish the amount, but it is not entitled to increase it, provided in each case the
distribution is a permitted distribution, as specified in Article 30. |
|
The
Board of Directors may, in its discretion, allocate to special funds any amount
whatsoever from the profits of the Company or from the revaluation of its assets or its
relative share in the revaluation of assets of branch companies, and also to
determine the designation of these funds. |
|
31.3. |
The
Payment of Dividends |
|
31.3.1. |
Manner
of Payment |
|
Unless
otherwise provided in the resolution with respect to the distribution of the dividend,
the Company may pay any dividend with the withholding of any tax required by Law, by way
of a cheque to the order of the beneficiary alone, which should be sent by means of
registered mail to the registered address of the Shareholder entitled thereto, or by way
of a bank transfer. Any cheque, as stated, shall be drawn up to the order of the person
to whom it is intended. |
46
|
In
the event of registered joint holders, the cheque shall be passed to the same Shareholder
whose name is registered first in the Shareholder Register with respect to the joint
holding. |
|
The
sending of a cheque to a person whose name is registered in the Shareholder Register as
the holder of the Share upon the Determining Date or, in the case of joint holders, to
any of the joint holders, shall serve as evidence with respect to all the payments made
in connection with same Shares. |
|
The
Company may decide that a cheque under a certain amount shall not be sent and the amount
of the dividend which was supposed to be paid shall
be deemed to be an unclaimed dividend. |
|
31.3.2. |
An
Unclaimed Dividend |
|
The
Board of Directors is entitled to invest the amount of any unclaimed dividend for one
year after it was declared or to utilize it in any other manner to the benefit of the
Company until it is claimed. The Company shall not be obligated to pay interest or
Linkage on an unclaimed dividend. |
|
31.3.3. |
Specific
Dividend |
|
In
the event the Company declares a dividend, as provided in Article 31.2.1 above, it may
decide that same dividend shall be paid, entirely or partially, by way of the
distribution of certain assets, including fully paid Shares or bonds of any other company
or in any combination of these assets. |
|
31.4. |
Manner
of Capitalization of Profits and the Distribution of Bonus Shares |
|
31.4.1. |
Subject
to the provisions of Article 30 above in the event of a capitalization of
profits and distribution of Bonus Shares, the undistributed profits of the
Company, or premium on Shares, or funds derived from the revaluation of
the assets of the Company, or funds derived on the basis of equity from
the profits of branch companies, or from the revaluation of
assets of branch companies and capital redemption funds shall
be capitalized and distributed among the Shareholders entitled thereto, as
per the provisions of Article 31.1 above, to be held by the shareholders
as capital, and that this capital, entirely or partially, shall be used on
behalf of same Shareholders as full payment, whether according to the par
value of the Shares or together with premium decided upon, for Shares to
be distributed accordingly, and that this distribution or payment shall be
received by same Shareholders as full consideration for their portion of
the benefit in the capitalized amount, as determined by the Board of
Directors. |
47
|
The
provisions of this chapter six shall also apply to the distribution of bonds. |
|
31.4.2. |
The
Company, in the resolution with respect to the distribution of Bonus Shares,
is entitled in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of
Directors, to decide that the Company shall transfer to a special fund,
designated for the future distribution of Bonus Shares, an amount the
capitalization of which shall be sufficient in order to allot to anyone
having at such time a right to acquire Shares of the Company (including a
right which can be exercised only upon a later date), Bonus Shares at the
par value which would have been due to him had he exercised the right to
acquire the Shares shortly before the Determining Date, at the price of
the right in effect at such time. In the event that after the Determining
Date, the holder of said right shall exercise his right to acquire the
Shares or any part of them, the Board of Directors shall allot to him
fully paid Bonus Shares at such par value and of such class, which would
have been due to him had he exercised shortly before the Determining Date
the right to acquire those Shares he actually acquired, by way of an
appropriate capitalization made by the Board of Directors out of the
special fund, as aforesaid. For the purpose of the determination of the
par value of the Bonus Shares which are to be distributed, any amount
transferred to the special fund, with respect to a previous distribution
of previous Bonus Shares shall be viewed as if it had already been
capitalized and that Shares entitling the holders to the right to acquire
Shares of the Company were already allotted as Bonus Shares. |
|
31.4.3. |
Upon
the distribution of Bonus Shares, each Shareholder of the Company shall
receive Shares of a uniform class or of the class which confers on its
holder the right to receive the Bonus Shares, as determined by the Board
of Directors. |
|
31.4.4. |
For
purposes of carrying out any resolution pursuant to the provisions of
Article 30, the Board of Directors may settle, as it deems fit, any
difficulty arising with regard to the distribution of Bonus Shares, and,
in particular, to issue certificates for fractions of Shares and sell such
fractions of Shares, in order to pay their consideration to those entitled
thereto, and also to set the value for the distribution of certain assets
and to decide that cash payments shall be paid to the Shareholders on the
basis of the value determined in such a way, or that fractions whose value
is less than NIS 0.01 shall not be taken into account, pursuant to the
adjustment of the rights of all parties. The Board of Directors may pay
cash or convey these certain assets to trustees in trust in favor of those
people who are entitled to a dividend or to a capitalized fund, as the
Board of Directors shall deem beneficial. |
48
32. |
Acquisition
of Shares |
|
32.1. |
The
Company is entitled to acquire or to finance an acquisition, directly or
indirectly, of Shares of the Company or securities convertible into Shares
of the Company or which could be exercised into Shares of the Company,
including incurring an obligation to take any of these actions, subject to
the fulfillment of the conditions of a permissible distribution, as stated
in Article 30 above. |
|
32.2. |
In
the event that the Company acquired any of its Shares, such a Share shall
become a dormant Share, and shall not confer any rights, so long as it is
in the holding of the Company. |
|
32.3. |
A
subsidiary or another corporation in the control of the Company is entitled to
acquire Shares of the Company or securities convertible into Shares of the
Company or which can be exercised into Shares of the Company, including an
obligation to take any of these actions, to the same extent the Company
may make a distribution, so long as the board of directors of the
subsidiary or the managers of the acquiring corporation have determined
that had the acquisition of the Shares been carried out by the Company it
would have been regarded as a permissible distribution, as specified in
Article 30 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an acquisition by a
subsidiary or by another corporation in the control of the Company, which
is not fully-owned by the Company, will be considered a distribution of an
amount equal to the product of the amount acquired multiplied by the
percentage of the rights in the capital of the subsidiary or in the
capital of said corporation which is held by the Company. |
|
32.4. |
In
the event that a Share of the Company is acquired by a subsidiary or by a
corporation in the control of the Company, the Share shall not confer any
voting rights, for so long as said Share is held by the subsidiary or by
said controlled corporation. |
Chapter Seven
Insurance, Indemnification and Release of Officers
33. |
Insurance
of Officers |
|
33.1. |
The
Company shall not insure the liability of an officer in the Company, other
than pursuant to the provisions of this Article. |
49
|
33.2. |
The
Company may enter into an insurance contract or arrange and pay all premiums
in respect of an insurance contract, for the insurance of the liability of
an officer in the Company, resulting from the consequence of an action by
him in his capacity as an officer in the Company, for any of the
following: |
|
33.2.1. |
The
breach of the duty of care toward the Company or toward any other person; |
|
33.2.2. |
The
breach of the duty of loyalty toward the Company provided the officer has
acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action
would not harm the Company; and |
|
33.2.3. |
A
financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person. |
|
33.3. |
The
Company shall not enter into a contract for the insurance of the liability
of an officer in the Company for any of the following: |
|
33.3.1. |
The
breach of the duty of loyalty toward the Company, unless the officer acted
in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action would
not harm the Company; |
|
33.3.2. |
The
breach of the duty of care made intentionally or recklessly (pezizut),
except if it has been made only with negligence, unless otherwise
permitted by law Law ; |
|
33.3.3. |
An
intentional act intended to unlawfully yield a personal profit; |
|
33.3.4. |
A
criminal fine or a penalty imposed on him. |
34. |
Indemnification
of Officers |
|
34.1. |
The
Company shall not indemnify an officer in the Company, other than pursuant
to the provisions of this Article. |
|
34.2. |
The
Company may indemnify an officer in the Company for liability or expense he
incurs in consequence of an action made by him in the capacity of his
position as an officer in the Company, as follows: |
|
34.2.1. |
Any
financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person in accordance
with a judgment, including a judgment given in a settlement or a judgment
of an arbitrator, approved by the Court. |
|
34.2.2. |
Reasonable
litigation expenses, including legal fees, incurred by the officer or
which he was ordered to pay by the Court, within the framework of
proceedings filed against him by the Company or on its behalf or by
another person, or in a criminal proceeding in which he was acquitted, or
in a criminal proceeding in which he was convicted of a felony which does
not require a finding of criminal intent. |
50
|
34.2.3. |
Reasonable
litigation expenses, including lawyers fees paid by an officer due
to investigation or procedure conducted against him by an authority
authorized to conduct an inquiry or procedure, and which was ended without
filing an indictment against him and without being subject to a financial
obligation as a substitute for a criminal procedure, or that was ended
without filing an indictment against him and but at which he was subject
to a financial obligation, as a substitute for a criminal procedure
relating to an offence which does not require mens rea, within
the meaning of the relevant terms in the Law. |
|
34.2 34.3. |
Indemnification
in Advance |
|
The
Company may undertake in advance to indemnify an officer of the Company in respect of the
following matters: |
|
34.3.1. |
Matters
as detailed in Article 34.2.1 provided however, that the undertaking is
restricted to events of a kind, which in opinion of the Board of
Directors, are anticipated in light of the Companys actual activity
at the time of granting the obligation to indemnify and to a sum or
criteria determined by the Board of Directors as reasonable in the
circumstances, and the Obligation to Indemnify specifies the events that,
in the opinion of the Board of Directors are expected in light of the
Companys actual activity at the time of grant of the Obligation to
Indemnify and the sum or the criteria which the Board of Directors
determined to be reasonable in the circumstances. |
|
34.3.2. |
Matters
as detailed in Article 34.2.2 and 34.2.3. |
|
34.3.3. |
Any
matter permited by Law. |
|
provided
the undertaking is restricted to events of a kind which the Board of Directors
believes can be anticipated at the time of the making of the indemnification
undertaking, with the exception of the events stated in Article 33.3 above, and at an
amount that the Board of Directors determines is reasonable in the circumstances. |
|
34.3 34.4. |
Indemnification
after the Fact |
|
The
Company may indemnify an officer in the Company for all kinds of events, retrospectively,
subject to any applicable Law.
with the exception of the events specified in Article 33.3 above. |
|
34.5. |
The
Company may not indemnify an officer of the Company for events stated in
Article 33.3. |
|
34.4. |
The
Company may indemnify an officer in the Company for liability or expense he
incurs in consequence of an action made by him in the capacity of his
position as an officer in the Company, as follows: |
|
34.4.1. |
Any
financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person in accordance with a
judgment, including a judgment given in a settlement
or a judgment of an arbitrator, approved
by the Court. |
|
34.4.2. |
Reasonable
litigation expenses, including legal fees, incurred by the officer or which he
was ordered to pay by the Court, within the
framework of proceedings filed against him
by the Company or on its behalf or by
another person, or in a criminal
proceeding in which he was acquitted, or
in a criminal proceeding in which he was
convicted of a felony which does not
require a finding of criminal intent. |
|
35.1. |
The
Company shall not release an officer from his liability for a breach of the
duty of care toward the Company, other than in accordance with the
provisions of this Article. |
|
35.2. |
The
Company may release an officer in the Company, in advance, from his
liability, entirely or partially, for damage in consequence of the breach
of the duty of care toward the Company , as permitted by Law. |
51
|
35.3. |
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company may not release an officer from his liability,
resulting from any of the following events: |
|
35.3.1. |
The
breach of the duty of loyalty toward the Company. |
|
35.3.2. |
The
breach of the duty of care made intentionally or recklessly (pezizut)
except if it has been made only with negligence.
; |
|
35.3.3. |
An
intentional act intended to unlawfully yield a personal profit; |
|
35.3.4. |
A
criminal fine or a penalty imposed on him. |
|
35.3.5. |
The
breach of the duty of care toward the Company under the event of
distribution. |
Chapter Eight
Liquidation and Reorganization of the Company
|
36.1. |
In
the event that the Company is liquidated, whether voluntarily or otherwise,
the liquidator, upon the approval of an Extraordinary Meeting, may make a
distribution in kind to the Shareholders of all or part of the property of
the Company, and he may with a similar approval of the General Meeting,
deposit any part of the property of the Company with trustees in favor of
the Shareholders, as the liquidator with the aforementioned approval,
deems fit. |
|
36.2. |
The
Shares of the Company shall confer equal rights among them with respect to
capital amounts which were paid or which were credited as paid on the par
value of the Shares, in all matters pertaining to the refund of the
capital and to the participation in the distribution of the balance of the
assets of the Company in liquidation. |
|
37.1. |
Upon
the sale of the property of the Company, the Board of Directors or the
liquidators (in case of a liquidation), if they are so authorized by a
resolution of the General Meeting of the Company adopted with a Special
Majority, may receive fully or partially paid up Shares, bonds or
securities of another company, either Israeli or foreign, whether
incorporated or which is about to incorporated for the purpose of
acquiring property of the Company, or any part thereof, and the Directors
(if the profits of the Company allow for it) or the liquidators (in case
of a liquidation) may distribute among the Shareholders the Shares or the
securities mentioned above or any other property of the Company without
selling them or depositing them with trustees on behalf of the
Shareholders. |
52
|
37.2. |
The
General Meeting may, pursuant to a resolution adopted by a Special Majority,
decide on the valuation of the securities or of the aforementioned
property at a price and in the same manner as it deems appropriate and all
the Shareholders shall be obligated to accept any valuation or
distribution, authorized in accordance with the foregoing and to waive
their rights in this matter, unless the Company is about to liquidate or
is in a liquidation process, of same lawful rights (if any) which
according to the provisions of the Law should not be altered or denied. |
Chapter Nine
Miscellaneous
|
38.1. |
A
notice or other document may be sent by the Company to any Shareholder
appearing in the Shareholder Register of the Company either personally or
by way of sending by registered mail, at the registered address of the
Shareholder in the Shareholder Register, or at such address as the
Shareholder shall have provided in writing to the Company as the address
for the delivery of notices. |
|
38.2. |
All
the notices to be given to Shareholders, shall, in respect of Shares held
jointly, be given to the person whose name is mentioned first in the
Shareholder Register, and any notice given in such a manner shall be
viewed as a sufficient notice to all the joint Shareholders. |
|
38.3. |
Any
Shareholder registered in the Shareholder Register, with an address, whether
in Israel or overseas, is entitled to receive, at such address, any notice
he is entitled to receive in accordance with the Articles of Association
or according to the provisions of the Law. Unless otherwise stated above,
no person who is not registered in the Shareholder Register shall be
entitled to receive any notices from the Company. |
|
38.4. |
Any
notice or other document which is sent to a Shareholder in accordance with
these Articles of Association shall be considered lawfully sent with
respect to all the Shares held by him (whether with respect to Shares held
by him alone or held by him jointly with others) even if same Shareholder
had died by that time or had become bankrupt or had received an order for
its liquidation or if a trustee or a liquidator or a receiver was
appointed with respect to his Shares (whether the Company was aware of it
or not) until another person is registered in the Shareholder Register in
his stead, as the holder thereof. The sending of a notice or other
document, as aforesaid, shall be viewed as a sufficient sending to any
person having a right in these Shares. |
|
38.5. |
Any
notice or other document which was sent by the Company via registered mail,
to an address in Israel, shall be considered sent within 72 hours from its
posting at the post office. In order to prove sufficient sending, it is
enough to show that the letter containing the notice or the document was
addressed to the correct address and was posted at the post office. |
|
38.6. |
Any
accidental omission with respect to the giving of a notice of a General
Meeting to any Shareholder or the non-receipt of a notice with respect to
a meeting or any other notice on the part of whatever Shareholder shall
not cause the cancellation of a resolution taken at that meeting, or the
cancellation of processes based on such notice. |
53
|
38.7. |
Any
Shareholder and any member of the Board of Directors may waive his right to
receive notices or waive his right to receive notices during a specific
time period and he may consent that a General Meeting of the Company or a
meeting of the Board of Directors, as the case may be, shall be convened
and held notwithstanding the fact that he did not receive a notice with
respect to it, or notwithstanding the fact that the notice was not
received by him within the required time, in each case subject to the
provisions of any Law prohibiting any such waiver or consent. |
Chapter 10 Deleted
Chapter 10-Transitional Rules until the Companies Law shall be Effective.
39. |
Applicability
Deleted |
|
The
provisions of this chapter shall apply solely during the period commencing on the day on
which the Articles of Association shall be effective until the day on which
the Companies Law shall be effective (hereinafter the Transitional Period). |
|
The
following provisions shall not apply during the Transitional Period: |
|
39.1. |
Article
14.2-titled The General Meetings authority to transfer authority between the organs |
|
39.2. |
Article
28.2-titled Internal Controller |
|
39.3. |
Article
32-titled Purchase of the Companys Shares |
40. |
Indemnification of Officers
Deleted |
Notwithstanding the provisions of
Article 34 above, during the Transitional Period Article 34 shall read as follows:
|
"34 |
Indemnification
of Officers |
|
34.1 |
The
Company is entitled to indemnify an Officer of the Company and/or an
employee of the Company for one of the following: |
|
34.1.1 |
Financial
liability imposed by judgment upon him for the
benefit of a third party, including a
settlement or arbitration decision certified
by the Court, as a result of an act or omission
committed by him in his capacity as an
officer and/or employee of the Company. |
|
34.1.2 |
Reasonable
litigation fees, including attorneys fees,
incurred by the officer and/or the employee
of the Company or imposed upon him by a court,
in a proceeding initiated against him by
the Company or in its name or by another
person, or in a criminal proceeding from
which he is acquitted, provided that any
such proceeding related to an act or omission
committed by him in his capacity as an
officer and/or employee of the Company. |
|
34.2 |
These
instructions are not intended nor will they be intended to limit the
Company in any way in respect of the Company entering into
an insurance contract and/or an indemnification agreement: |
|
34.2.1 |
In
respect of anyone who is not an officer of the Company,
including employees, contractors or
consultants of the Company who are not
officers of the Company. |
|
34.2.2 |
In
respect of officers of the Company in the event that the
insurance and/or the indemnification are
not explicitly forbidden by any law." |
41. |
Exemption for Officers
Deleted |
|
The
words made intentionally or recklessly (pezizut) in Article 35.3.2 above shall not
apply. |
|
The
rules of the second schedule of the Companies Ordinance will not apply both during the
Transitional Period and thereafter, including with respect to matters that
have not been dealt with in the Articles of Association. |
42. |
Interpretation Deleted |
|
During
the Transitional Period, all of the provisions and/or definitions in the Articles of
Association that are incompatible with cognitive rules of the Companies
Ordinance will be cancelled and the rules of the Companies Ordinance shall
apply. |
54
Chapter 11
Compliance with the License /
Limitations on
Ownership and Control
|
The
Shareholders shall at all times comply with the terms of the License. Nothing herein
shall be construed as requiring or permitting the performance of any acts which are
inconsistent with the terms of the License. If any article of these Articles shall be
found to be inconsistent with the terms of the License, the provisions of such article
shall be null and void, but the validity, legality or enforceability of provisions of the
other Articles shall not be affected thereby. |
44. |
Limitations
on Ownership and Control |
|
44.1. |
This
Article is to ensure that so long as and to the extent that any Operating
Right is conditional on or subject to any conditions or restrictions
relating to ownership or control over the Company imposed by the Ministry,
the Company is so owned and controlled. This Article shall not affect or
influence in any way the interpretation or application of Article 10A. |
|
Affected
Share means any Share determined to be dealt with as such pursuant to Article
44.4; |
|
Affected
Share Notice means a notice in writing served in accordance with Article 44.5; |
|
Depositarymeans
a custodian or other person appointed under contractual arrangements with the Company (or
a nominee for such custodian or other person) whereby such custodian or other person
holds or is interested in Shares and which issues securities evidencing the right to
receive such Shares; |
|
Depositary
Receipts means receipts or similar documents of title issued by or on behalf of
a Depositary; |
|
Depositary
Shares means the Shares held by a Depositary or in which a Depositary is
interested in its capacity as a Depositary; |
|
Intervening
Act means the refusal, withholding, suspension or revocation of any Operating
Right applied for, granted to or enjoyed by the Company, or the imposition of any
conditions or limitations upon any such Operating Right which materially inhibit the
exercise thereof, in either case by any state, authority or person (including the
Ministry) by reason of the activities of persons holding Shares in and/or controlling the
Company; |
55
|
Ministry
means the Ministry of Communications and/or Minister of
Communications; |
|
Operating
Right means all or any part of any authority, permission, licence or privilege
applied for, granted to or enjoyed by the Company, including the Licence, for the
establishment, subsistence, maintenance and operation of a mobile radio telephone system
using the cellular method and the provision of mobile radio telephone services to the
public in Israel; |
|
Permitted
Maximum means the maximum aggregate permitted number of Relevant Shares
specified by the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of the Licence, any
other requirements of the Ministry and any relevant requirements of Law; |
|
(a) |
any
person who, without the approval of the Ministry, acquires, directly or
indirectly, any Means of Control (as defined in the Licence) in breach of
Section 21 of the Licence other than a person who falls within Article 10A; or |
|
(b) |
any
Interested Party (as defined in the Licence) who, or who has an Officer Holder
(as defined in the Licence) who, is in breach of Sections 23 or 24 of the
Licence other than a person who falls within Article 10A; |
|
Relevant
Share means any Share (other than a Share removed from the Relevant Shares
Register (defined in Article 44.3.2) pursuant to Article 44.3.5), in which a Relevant
Person has an interest or which is declared to be a Relevant Share pursuant to Article
44.3.4; |
|
44.3.1. |
The
Board of Directors shall not register a person as a holder of a Share unless
the person has given to the Board of Directors a declaration (in a form
prescribed by the Board of Directors) signed by him or on his behalf,
stating his name, nationality, that he is not a Relevant Person falling
within
within paragraphs (c) or (d) of the definition of that term and other information required by the
Board of Directors. |
|
44.3.2. |
The
Board of Directors shall maintain a register (the Relevant Shares
Register), in which shall be entered particulars of any Share which
has been: |
56
|
(a) |
acknowledged
by the holder (or by a joint holder) to be a Relevant Share; |
|
(b) |
declared
to be a Relevant Share pursuant to Article 44.3.4; or |
|
(c) |
determined
to be an Affected Share pursuant to Article 44.4.2.; |
|
and
which has not ceased to be a Relevant Share. The particulars in the Relevant Shares
Register in respect of any Share shall include the identity of the holder or joint
holders and information requested by and supplied to the Board of Directors. |
|
44.3.3. |
Each
registered holder of a Share which has not been acknowledged to be a
Relevant Share who becomes aware that such Share is or has become a
Relevant Share shall forthwith notify the Company accordingly. |
|
44.3.4. |
The
Board of Directors may notify in writing the registered holder of a Share
which is not in the Relevant Shares Register and appears to be a Relevant
Share, requiring him to show that the Share is not a Relevant Share. Any
person to whom such notice has been issued may within 21 clear days after
the issue of the notice (or such longer period as the Board of Directors
may decide) represent to the Board of Directors why such Share should not
be treated as a Relevant Share but if, after considering such
representations and other relevant information, the Board of Directors is
not so satisfied, it shall declare such Share to be a Relevant Share and
treat it as such. |
|
44.3.5. |
The
Board of Directors shall remove a Relevant Share from the Relevant Shares
Register if the holder of the Relevant Share gives to the Board of
Directors a declaration (in a form prescribed by the Board of Directors),
together with such other evidence as the Board of Directors may require,
which satisfies it that such Share is no longer, or should not be treated,
as a Relevant Share. |
57
|
44.4.1. |
Article
44.4.2 shall apply for so long as the Company holds or enjoys any
Operating Right where the Board of Directors determines that it is
necessary to take steps to protect any Operating Right because an
Intervening Act is contemplated, threatened or intended, may take place or
has taken place; |
|
44.4.2. |
Where
a determination has been made under Article 44.4.1, the Board of Directors
shall take such of the following steps as they consider necessary or
desirable to overcome, prevent or avoid an Intervening Act: |
|
44.4.2.1. |
the
Board of Directors may remove any Director from office, by a resolution
passed by a majority of 75 per cent or more of the other Directors present
and voting at the relevant meeting; |
|
44.4.2.2. |
the
Board of Directors may seek to identify those Relevant Shares which gave
rise to the determination under Article 44.4.1 and by a resolution passed
by a majority of 75 per cent or more of the Directors present and voting
at the relevant meeting deal with such Shares as Affected Shares; and |
|
44.4.2.3. |
when
the aggregate number of Relevant Shares in the Relevant Shares Register
exceeds the Permitted Maximum, the Board of Directors may deal with the
Relevant Shares which it decides, by a resolution passed by a majority of
75 per cent or more of the Directors present and voting at the relevant
meeting, are in excess of the Permitted Maximum as Affected Shares. |
|
44.5. |
The
Board of Directors shall give an Affected Share Notice to the registered
holder of any Affected Share and state that Article 44.6 is to be applied
forthwith in respect of such Affected Share. The registered holder of the
Affected Share may within 21clear days after the issue of the notice (or
such longer period as the Board of Directors may decide) represent to the
Board of Directors why such Share should not be treated as an Affected
Share and if, after considering such representations and other relevant
information, the Board of Directors considers that the Share should not be
treated as an Affected Share it shall forthwith withdraw the Affected
Share Notice and Article 44.6 shall no longer apply to the Share. |
|
44.6. |
An
Affected Share in respect of which an Affected Share Notice has been served
shall be treated as a dormant share (as defined in section 308 of the
Companies Law) except that the registered holder of the Affected Share
shall continue to have the right to receive dividends and other
distributions of the Company and participate in bonus or rights issues of
the Company in respect of such Share. |
58
|
44.7. |
In
deciding which Shares are to be treated as Affected Shares, the Board of
Directors shall have regard to the Relevant Shares which in its opinion
have directly or indirectly caused the determination under Article 44.4
and the chronological order in which Relevant Shares have been entered in
the Relevant Shares Register (and accordingly treat as Affected Shares
those Relevant Shares entered in the Relevant Shares Register most
recently) except where such criterion would in their opinion be
inequitable, in which event the Board of Directors shall apply such other
criterion or criteria as they may consider appropriate. |
|
44.8. |
Subject
to the other provisions of this Article 44, the Board of Directors shall
be entitled to assume without enquiry that: |
|
44.8.1. |
all
Shares not in the Relevant Shares Register and not falling within clause
44.8.2 are neither Relevant Shares nor Shares which would be or be capable
of being treated as Affected Shares; and |
|
44.8.2. |
all
or some specified number of the Shares are Relevant Shares falling within
paragraphs (a)-(b) in the definition of that term if they (or interests in
them) are held by a Depositary, trustee, registration or nominee company
or other agent unless and for so long as, in respect of any such Shares,
it is established to their satisfaction that such Shares are not Relevant
Shares. |
|
44.9. |
Any
resolution or determination of, or any decision or the exercise of any
discretion or power by, the Board of Directors or any one of the Directors
under this Article 44 shall be final and conclusive. |
|
44.10.1. |
On
withdrawal of the determination under Article 44.4.1, the Board of Directors
shall cease to act pursuant to such determination and inform every person
on whom an Affected Share Notice has been served that Article 44.6 no
longer applies in respect of such Share. The withdrawal of such a
determination shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the
Board of Directors under this Article whilst that determination remained
in effect and such actions shall not be open to challenge on any ground
whatsoever. |
59
|
44.10.2. |
The
Board of Directors shall, so long as it acts reasonably and in good faith,
be under no liability to the Company or to any other person for failing to
treat any Share as an Affected Share or any person as a Relevant Person in
accordance with this Article and it shall not be liable to the Company or
any other person if, having acted reasonably and in good faith it
determines erroneously that any Share is an Affected Share, or any person
is a Relevant Person or on the basis of such determination or any other
determination or resolution, they perform or exercise their duties,
powers, rights or discretions under this Article in relation to such
Share. |
|
44.11. |
A
person who has an interest in Shares by virtue of having an interest in
Depositary Receipts shall be deemed to have an interest in the number of
Shares represented by such Depositary Receipts and not (in the absence of
any other reason why he should be so treated) in the remainder of the
Depositary Shares held by the relevant Depositary. |
60
Partner Communications
Company Ltd
Dear Sirs:
|
Re: |
Extraordinary
General Meeting of the Shareholders of Partner Communications Company Ltd to be held on
Tuesday, 12 July 2005 (the EGM) |
We the undersigned,
___________private company/public company, that gave our proxy/deed of vote attached
hereto regarding the EGM, hereby state that:
|
A. |
In
accordance with the provisions of Article 21.7 of the General License granted to Partner
Communications Company Ltd for the provision of mobile radio telephone (MRT) services
using the cellular method (the License), the shares for which the proxy/deed
of vote were given do not require consent as set forth in Article 21.7(b)(1) of the
License and are not considered irregular holdings, as this term is defined. |
|
Articles
21-24 of the License are attached hereto. |
|
B. |
In
resolution (1) that is to be proposed at the EGM: |
|
o
|
We
do not have a personal interest, as this term is defined in the Companies
Law, 5759-1999. |
|
o
|
We
have a personal interest, as this term is defined in the Companies Law,
5959-1999. |
Respectfully Yours,
Name: ________________
Date: ________________
Signature: _____________
[Unofficial translation
for convenience only]
|
Articles
21-24 of the General License for Partner Communications Ltd. for the Provision of Mobile
Radio Telephone (MRT) Services using the Cellular Method-integrated version
updated as of 10 May 2005 |
21. |
Transfer
of Means of Control |
21.1 |
A
holding of ten percent (10%) or more of any of the Means of Control in the Licensee will
not be transferred, either directly or indirectly, either all at once or in parts, unless
given the Ministers prior written consent. |
21.2 |
Any
of the said Means of Control, or a part of them, in the Licensee, may not be transferred
in any way, if as a result of the transfer, control in the Licensee will be transferred
from one person to another, unless given the Ministers prior written consent. |
21.3 |
No
control shall be acquired, either direct or indirect, in the Licensee, and no person,
whether on his/her own or together with his/her relative or with those acting with
him/her on a regular basis, shall acquire in it ten percent (10%) or more of any of the
Means of Control in the Licensee, whether all at once or in parts, unless given the
Ministers prior written consent. |
21.4 |
Subject
to what is stated above in this clause, no Means of Control shall be transferred, either
directly or indirectly, in a way that will cause the share of an MRT Operator in the
Licensee to be reduced from twenty-five (25%) of the voting rights in the general meeting
and of the right to appoint a Director or General Manager, unless five (5) years have
elapsed from the date of License award; if five (5) years have elapsed from the date of
License award, an MRT Operators share may decrease from twenty-five percent (25%)
to the extent of selling the entire Means of Control held by it to another, all subject
to the approval of the Minister both for the reduction in the MRT Operators share
of the Means of Control in the Licensee, and with regard to the buyer; for the matter of
this clause, MRT Operator has the same meaning as set out in clause 14.1B. |
21.5 |
1Despite
the provisions of sub-clauses 21.1 and 21.3 above, should there occur a transfer or
purchase of a percentage of Tradable Means of Control in the Licensee requiring consent
under clauses 21.1 and 21.3 (other than a transfer of purchase that results in a transfer
of control), without the Ministers consent having been sought, the Licensee shall
report this to the Minister in writing, and shall make an application to the Minister to
approve the said transfer or purchase of the Means of Control in the Licensee, within 21
days of the date on which the Licensee became aware of such. |
1 Amendment No. 3
|
In
this Clause 21, Tradable Means of Control Means of Control,
including Global or American Depository Shares (GDRs or ADRs), or similar
certificates, registered for trading on the securities exchange in Israel or overseas,
and offered to the public by prospectus, or held by the public in Israel or overseas. |
21.6 |
Neither
the entry into an underwriting agreement relating to the issue or sale of securities to
the public, the registration for trading on the securities exchange in Israel or
overseas, nor the deposit or registration of securities with a registration company or
with a depository agent or a custodian for the purpose of registration of GDRs or ADRs or
similar certificates relating to the issue or sale of securities to the public shall in
and of themselves be considered as a transfer of Means of Control in the Licensee.2 |
21.7 |
(a) |
Exceptional
Holdings shall be registered in the Licensees register of members (shareholder
register) with a notation that such holdings have been classified as exceptional,
immediately upon the Licensees becoming aware of this, and a notice of the
registration shall be given by the Licensee to the holder of such Exceptional Holdings
and to the Minister. |
|
(b) |
Exceptional
Holdings, noted as aforesaid in clause 21.7(a), shall not entitle the
holder to any rights, and shall be dormant shares as defined in
Section 308 of the Companies Law 5759-1999, expect in the case of the
receipt of a dividend or any other distribution to shareholders
(especially the right to participate in an allotment of rights calculated
on the basis of holdings of Means of Control in the Licensee, although
holdings accumulated as aforesaid shall also be considered as Exceptional
Holdings), and therefore no action or claim of the activation of a right
by virtue of the Exceptional Holdings shall have any force, except in the
case of the receipt of a dividend or any other distribution as aforesaid. |
|
Without
derogating form the generality of the above: |
|
(1) |
A
shareholder who takes part in a vote during a meeting of shareholders shall
advise the Licensee prior to the vote, or in the case of documentary voting on
the voting document, whether his holdings in the Licensee or his voting require
consent under clauses 21 and 23 of the License or not; where a shareholder does
not so advise, he may not vote and his vote shall not count. |
|
(2) |
No
director of the Licensee shall be appointed, elected or transferred from office
by virtue of an Exceptional Holding; should a director be appointed, elected or
transferred from office as aforesaid, the said appointment, election or
transfer, as the case may be, shall be of no effect. |
2
Amendment No. 4
|
(3) |
Exceptional
Holdings shall not provide voting rights in the general meeting; |
|
For
the purposes of this clause: |
|
Exceptional
Holdings the holding of Tradable Means of Control without the Ministers
consent as required under clause 23, and all holdings of a person holding Tradable Means
of Control acting contrary to the provisions of clause 24; for as long as the Ministers
consent under clause 21 has been sought but not yet granted, or whilst there is a
situation of breach of the provisions of clauses 23 or 24. |
|
(4) |
The
provisions of clause 21.7 shall be included in the Articles of Association
of the Licensee, including the provisions of clause 21.9 mutatis
mutandis. |
21.8 |
For
so long as the Articles of Association of the Licensee provide as set out in clause 21.7,
and the Licensee acts in accordance with the provisions of clauses 21.5 and 21.7, and for
so long as none of the holdings of any of the Founding Shareholders or their Substitutes3 reduces
to less than 26%4 of each of the Means of Control in the Licensee, and for
so long as the Articles of Association of the Licensee provide that a majority of the
voting power in the general meeting of the Licensee may appoint all members of the Board
of Directors of the Licensee, other than external directors required by any law and/or
the relevant Exchange Rules, the Exceptional Holdings shall not, in and of themselves,
give rise to a cause for the cancellation of the Licensee. |
|
For
the purpose of this article: Founding Shareholders or their Substitutes-
Matbit Telecommunications Systems Ltd., Advent Investment Pte Limited, Matav Investments
Ltd and Tapuz Cellular Systems limited Partnership as well as any other entity that one
of them has transferred the Means of Control in the Licensee to, with the Ministers
consent, before 4.7.2004 (each of the above entities shall be termed Founding
Shareholder), as well as any other entity that a Founding Shareholder will transfer
Means of Control in the Licensee to after 4.7.2004, provided that the Minister gave his
written consent that the transferree be considered for this matter as the Founding
Shareholders substitute from the date to be determined by the Minister, including
anyone that is an Israeli Entity as defined in Article 22.A.2, that purchased
Means of Control from the Licensee and received the Ministers approval to be
considered a founding shareholder or their substitute from the date set by the Minister.5 Such
consent under this article does not exempt the Licensee from the obligation to receive
the Ministers consent for every transfer of the Means of Control in the Licensee
that requires the Ministers consent in accordance with any other article in the
License.6 |
21.9 |
The
provisions of clauses 21.5 through 21.8 shall not apply to the Founding
Shareholders or their Substitutes.7 |
3 Amendment No. 25
4 Amendments No. 9, 28, 31
5 Amendment No. 31
6 Amendment No. 25
7 Amendment No. 31
22. |
Placing
a Charge on Means of Control |
|
Any
shareholder in the company that holds the License, or a shareholder in an Interested
Party in the same company, is not allowed to encumber his/her shares, in a way that the
realization of the charge would cause a change in the ownership in ten percent (10%) or
more of any of the Means of Control in the Licensee, unless the charge agreement includes
a constraint, according to which the charge cannot be realized without prior consent, in
writing, by the Minister. |
22A. |
8Israeli
Requirement and Holdings of Founding Shareholders or their Substitutes |
|
22A.1. |
The
total cumulative holdings of the Founding Shareholders or their
Substitutes, as defined in Article 21.8, (including anyone that is
an Israeli Entity as defined in Article 22.2A below, that
purchased Means of Control from the Licensee and received the Ministers
approval to be considered a founding shareholder or their substitute from
the date set by the Minister), and are bound by an agreement for the
fulfillment of the provisions of Article 22A of the License (in this
Article they will all be considered Founding Shareholders or their
Substitutes) shall not be reduced to less than 26% of each of the
Means of Control in the Licensee. |
|
22A.2 |
The
total cumulative holdings of Israeli Entities, one or more, that are
considered as one of the Founding Shareholders or their Substitutes, from the total
holdings of Founding Shareholders or their Substitutes as set forth in Article 22A.1
above, shall not be reduced at all times to less than 5% of the total issued share
capital and from each of the Means of Control in the Licensee. For this matter, the
issued share capital of the Licensee shall be calculated by deducting the number of Dormant
Shares held by the Licensee . |
|
Israeli
Entity- for an individual-an Israeli citizen or resident of Israel, For a
corporation- a corporation that was incorporated in Israel and an individual that is a
citizen and a resident of Israel, controls the corporation either directly or indirectly,
as long as the indirect control shall be only through a corporation that was incorporated
in Israel, one or more. However, for the matter of indirect holdings, the Prime Minister
and the Minister of Communications may approve holdings through a corporation that has
not been incorporated in Israel, as long as the corporation does not directly hold shares
in the Licensee, and only if they are convinced that this will not derogate from the
provisions of this article. For this matter, Israeli citizen- as defined in
the Nationality Law, 5712-1952; resident-as defined in the Inhabitants
Registry Law, 5725-1965. |
8 Amendment No.
31-shall come into effect with the completion all of the obligations set
forth in clause 22A and no later than 20 July 2005, in accordance with
document 4031-62/05 of the Ministry of Communications dated 2 Adar B 5765
(13 March 2005)
|
For
this matter, Dormant Shares- as defined in Article 308 of the
Companies Law, 5759-1999. |
|
22A.3 |
At
least one tenth (10%) of the members of the Board of Directors of the Licensee shall be
appointed by the Israeli Entities as set forth in clause 22A.2. Notwithstanding the
above-mentioned, for this matter- if the Board of Directors of the Licensee shall consist
of up to 14 members at least one director shall be appointed by the Israeli
entities as set forth in clause 22.2A above, if the Board of Directors of the Licensee
shall consist of between 15 and 24 members-at least 2 directors shall be appointed by the
Israeli entities as set forth in clause 22.2A above and so on and so forth. |
|
22A.4 |
The
Licensees Board of Directors shall appoint from among its members that have
security clearance and security compatibility to be determined by the General Security
Service (hereinafter: Directors with Clearance) a committee to be
designated the Committee for Security Matters, or CSM. |
|
The
CSM shall consist of at least 4 Directors with Clearance including at least one External
Director. Security matters shall be discussed, subject to clause 22A.5, solely by the
CSM. A resolution that was adopted or an action that was taken by the CSM , shall have
the same effect as a resolution that was adopted or an action that was taken by the Board
of Directors and shall be discussed by the Board of Directors only if necessary in
accordance with clause 22A.5 and subject to clause 22A.5. |
|
In
this article-security matters-as defined in the Bezeq Order (Determination of
Essential Service Provided by Bezeq, the Israeli Telecommunications Company
Ltd), 5757-1997, as of March 9, 2005. |
|
22A.5 |
Security
matters that the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Licensee shall be
required to consider in accordance with the mandatory provisions of the Companies Law,
5759-1999, or in accordance with the mandatory provisions of any other law that applies
to the Licensee shall be discussed, if they need to be discussed by the Board of
Directors or the Audit Committee, only in the presence of Directors with Clearance.
Directors that do not have security clearance shall not be allowed to participate in this
Board of Directors or Audit Committee meeting and shall not be entitled to receive
information or to review documents that relate to this matter. The legal quorum for such
meetings shall include only Directors with Clearance. |
|
The
Licensee may set out in its Articles of Association that an Office Holder, who in the
capacity of his position or based on the provisions of the law or the Articles of
Association, should have received information or participate in security matter meetings
and this was denied him due to clause 22A.5, will be released from any liability for any
claim of breach of duty of care towards the Licensee, if the breach of duty of care was a
result of his or her inability to participate in the meetings or receive information. |
|
22A.6 |
The
shareholders at a general meeting shall not be entitled to assume, delegate, transfer or
exercise any of the authorities granted to another organ in the company, regarding
security matters |
|
22A.7 |
(a)
The Minister shall appoint an observer for the Board of Directors and committee meetings,
that has security clearance and security compatibility that will be determined by the
General Security Services. |
|
(b)
The observer shall be a government employee, qualified to serve as a director,
in accordance with Chapter C of the Government Companies Law, 5735-1975. |
|
(c)
In addition, and without derogating from any duty imposed on him by any law,
the observer shall be bound by confidentiality towards the Licensee, except as
the matter may be required to fulfill his responsibilities as an observer. The
observer shall not act as an observer or in any other capacity for any entity
that deals with the provision of telecommunication services and directly
competes with the Licensee, and shall refrain from any conflict of interest
between his position as an observer and between the Licensee, excluding
conflicts of interest that result from his being a government employee that is
fulfilling his responsibilities as an observer with the Licensee. The observer
shall undertake towards the Licensee not to serve as an observer or an office
holder, and not to fulfill a position or be employed, directly or indirectly by
any entity that directly competes with the Licensee or has a conflict of
interest with the Licensee, excluding a conflict of interest that results from
his being a government employee that is fulfilling his responsibilities as an
observer with the Licensee throughout the duration of his position as an
observer with the Licensee and for eighteen months after he completes this
term. |
|
In
any case of a dispute regarding a conflict of interest of the observer, the matter shall
be decided by the State Attorney General or a person on his behalf. |
|
(d)
Notices to Board of Director and committee meetings, including the CSM, shall
be sent to the observer and he shall be entitled to participate as an observer
in each such meeting. |
|
(e)
The observers entitlement to receive information from the Licensee,
shall be the same as a director. If the Licensee believes that certain
information that is sensitive business information is not required by the
observer in order to fulfill his duties, the Licensee may delay delivery of
such information to the observer and shall inform him accordingly. If the
observer believes that he should receive such information, the matter shall be
decided by the head of the General Security Services. |
|
(f)
If the observer believes that the Licensee adopted or is about to adopt a
resolution regarding security matters, contrary to the provisions of the
License, contrary to Article 13 of the Law or contrary to the provisions of
Article 11 of the General Security Services Law, 5762-2002, he shall
immediately notify the Licensee in writing. Such a notice shall be sent to the
chairman of the Board of Directors and to the chairman of the CSM and adequate
time shall be given, under the circumstances of the case, to remedy the breach
or to change the resolution, if possible. |
|
22A.8 |
The
provisions of Article 22A of the License shall be adopted in the Articles of Association
of the Licensee. |
Section C:
Cross-Ownership and Conflict of Interests
23. |
Prohibition
of Cross-Ownership |
23.1 |
The
Licensee, an Office Holder or an Interested Party in the Licensee, as well as an Office
Holder in an Interested Party in the Licensee, shall not hold, either directly or
indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of any Means of Control in a Competing MRT
Operator, and shall not serve as an Office Holder in a Competing MRT Operator or in an
Interested Party in a Competing MRT Operator; for this matter, Holding includes
holding as an agent. |
23.2 |
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Paragraph 23.1, the Minister may, based upon written request, permit an
Office Holder in the Licensee to serve as an Office Holder in an Interested Party in a
Competing MRT Operator, or permit an Office Holder in an Interested Party in the Licensee
to serve as an Office Holder in a Competing MRT Operator or in an Interested Party in a
Competing MRT Operator, if he is satisfied, that this will not harm the competition in
MRT Services; the Minister may condition the granting of such permit on conditions that
the Office Holder must fulfill for prevention of harm to the competition as aforesaid. |
23.3 |
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Paragraph 23.1, an Interested Party in the Licensee, which is a trust
fund, an insurance company, an investment company or a pension fund, may hold up to ten
percent (10%) of the Means of Control in a Competing MRT Operator, and an Interested
Party in a Competing MRT Operator, which is a trust fund, an insurance company, an
investment company or a pension fund, may hold up to ten percent (10%) of the Means of
Control in the Licensee, provided it does not have a representative or an appointee on
its behalf among the Office Holders of a Competing MRT Operator or of the Licensee, as
the case may be, unless it is required to do so by law. |
23.4 |
The
Licensee, an Office Holder or an Interested Party in the Licensee, as well as an Office
Holder in an Interested Party in the Licensee, will not control a Competing MRT Operator,
and will not cause it, by any act or omission, to be controlled by a Competing MRT
Operator or by an Office Holder or an Interested Party in a Competing MRT Operator, or by
an Office Holder in an Interested Party in a Competing MRT Operator, or by a person or
corporation that controls a Competing MRT Operator. |
23.5 |
The
rate of indirect holding in a corporation will be a product of the percentage of holdings
in each stage of the chain of ownership, subject to what is set out in Paragraph 23.6;
for example: |
|
(A) |
A holds
40% in Company B; |
|
(B) |
Company
B holds 40% in Company C; |
|
(C) |
Company
C holds 25% in Company D; |
|
(D) |
Therefore,
Company A holds, indirectly, 4% of Company D. |
23.6 |
For
the matter of this Paragraph and Paragraphs 14.1 (G) (6), (7), (8), (8a), (9) and 21.4,
if a certain body (hereinafter: the Controlling Body) controls another body
that has holdings, directly or indirectly, in the Licensee (hereinafter: the
Controlled Body), the Controlling Body, and also any other body controlled by the
Controlling Body, will be attributed with the rate of holdings in the Licensee that the
Controlled Body has, directly or indirectly; according to the following examples: |
|
(1) |
A holds
50% in Company B, and controls it; |
|
(2) |
Company
B holds 50% in Company C, and controls it; |
|
(3) |
Company
C holds 10% in the Licensee and does not control it; |
|
(4) |
Therefore,
notwithstanding that As holdings in the Licensee in
accordance with the instructions of Paragraph 5.6 are 2.5%, A and
also any body controlled by A will be deemed as an Interested Party
holding 10% in the Licensee. |
|
(1) |
A holds 50% of Company B and controls it; |
|
(2) |
Company
B holds 40% of Company C and controls it; |
|
(3) |
Company
C holds 40% of Company D and does not control it; |
|
(4) |
Company
D holds 40% of the Licensee and does not control it; |
|
(5) |
Therefore,
A and any body controlled by A will be regarded as
having a holding in the Licensee at the rate of holdings of Company C in
the Licensee, which is holdings of 16% (according to the method set out in
Paragraph 23.5 for the calculation of the rate of indirect holdings in the
absence of control), and in this manner, A and any body controlled
by A is an Interested Party in the Licensee. |
23.7 |
If
a certain body has indirect holding in the Licensee, through two or more Interested
Parties, then for the purpose of its definition as an Interested Party, and for the
purpose of determining the rate of holding with regard to this Paragraph, the greatest
indirect rate of holding will be taken into account, and also any rate of holding that
derives from the chain of holdings through which the said holding body is attributed with
the holdings of corporations controlled by it in accordance with the provisions of
Paragraph 23.6; the rates of holdings that derive from two or more chains that will be
taken into account as stated above, will be cumulative for the purpose of calculating the
rate of holdings. |
23.8 |
The
Minister may, in response to a written request, permit an Interested Party in the
Licensee to hold, either directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more in any of the
Means of Control of a Competing MRT Operator, if the Minister is satisfied that this will
not harm competition in the MRT field; the Minister may condition the granting of the
said permit9 on condition that the Interested Party in the Licensee or in
the Competing MRT Operator is an Interested Party merely by virtue of the provisions of
clause 23.6. |
24. |
Prohibition
of Conflict of interests |
|
The
Licensee, any body in which the Licensee is an Interested Party, an Office Holder in the
Licensee or an Interested Party in the company holding the License or an Office Holder in
an Interested Party therein, will not be party to any agreement, arrangement or
understanding with a Competing MRT Operator, or an Interested Party or an Office Holder
in it, or an Office Holder in an Interested Party in a Competing MRT Operator, or any
other body in which a Competing MRT Operator is an Interested Party, which are intended
to or might reduce or harm competition in anything that pertains to MRT Services, MRT
Terminal Equipment or any other Telecommunications Services. |
9
Amendment No. 10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this Current Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
|
|
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
BY: /S/ Alan Gelman
Alan Gelman Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: June 21, 2005