UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 29, 2011
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Switzerland |
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000-53533 |
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98-0599916 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
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(Commission |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
10 Chemin de Blandonnet |
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CH-1214 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(zip code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: +41 (22) 930-9000
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Underwriting Agreement
On November 29, 2010, Transocean Ltd. (the Company) entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the Underwriting Agreement) by and among the Company, Credit Suisse AG, as subscriber under a related subscription agreement, and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (CS) and Barclays Capital Inc. (Barclays and, together with CS, the Underwriters), as joint book-running managers, relating to the issuance and sale by the Company of 26,000,000 newly issued shares (the Firm Shares) of the Company with a par value of 15.00 Swiss francs per share (the Shares) at a public offering price of $ 40.50 per Share ($39.17 per Share, net of the underwriting discount, to the Company). Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,900,000 Shares (the Option Shares and, together with the Firm Shares, the Securities) on the same terms as the Firm Shares to cover over-allotments, if any. On November 30, 2011, the Underwriters exercised their option to purchase all of the Option Shares. The offer and sale of the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-169401) of the Company (the Registration Statement), as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement dated November 29, 2011 relating to the Securities, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act on November 29, 2011. The sale of the Securities pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement closed on December 5, 2011.
The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties and indemnification and contribution provisions under which the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
The summary of the Underwriting Agreement set forth in this Item 1.01 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.03 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
In connection with the offering of the Firm Shares, as described in Item 1.01 above, on November 29, 2011, the Company amended and restated its articles of association (the November 29, 2011 Articles of Association) to increase the Companys share capital from CHF 5,028,529,470 to CHF 5,418,529,470, divided into 361,235,298 Shares. Accordingly, the Companys authorized share capital was reduced by CHF 390,000,000, resulting in an authorized share capital of CHF 615,705,855, authorizing the Companys board of directors to issue up to 41,047,057 new Shares at any time during a two-year period ending May 13, 2013.
In connection with the offering of the Option Shares, as described in Item 1.01 above, on December 4, 2011, the Company again amended and restated its articles of association (the December 4, 2011 Articles of Association) to increase the Companys share capital from CHF 5,418,529,470 to CHF 5,477,029,470, divided into 365,135,298 Shares. Accordingly, the Companys authorized share capital was reduced by CHF 58,500,000, resulting in an authorized
share capital of CHF 557,205,855, authorizing the Companys board of directors to issue up to 37,137,057 new Shares at any time during a two-year period ending May 13, 2013.
The foregoing descriptions of the November 29, 2011 Articles of Association and the December 4, 2011 Articles of Association do not purport to be complete and are qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the November 29, 2011 Articles of Association and the December 4, 2011 Articles of Association, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
1.1 |
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Underwriting Agreement dated November 29, 2011 by and among Transocean Ltd., Credit Suisse AG, as subscriber under a related subscription agreement, and Barclays Capital Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein |
3.1 |
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Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. dated November 29, 2011 |
3.2 |
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Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. dated December 4, 2011 |
5.1 |
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Opinion of Homburger AG |
8.1 |
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Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. |
8.2 |
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Opinion of Homburger AG |
23.1 |
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Consent of Homburger AG (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto) |
23.2 |
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Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1 hereto) |
23.3 |
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Consent of Homburger AG (included in Exhibit 8.2 hereto) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. | ||
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Date: December 5, 2011 |
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By: |
/s/ Heather G. Callender |
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Heather G. Callender | |
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Associate General Counsel |
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
1.1 |
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Underwriting Agreement dated November 29, 2011 by and among Transocean Ltd., Credit Suisse AG, as subscriber under a related subscription agreement, and Barclays Capital Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein |
3.1 |
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Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. dated November 29, 2011 |
3.2 |
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Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. dated December 4, 2011 |
5.1 |
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Opinion of Homburger AG |
8.1 |
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Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. |
8.2 |
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Opinion of Homburger AG |
23.1 |
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Consent of Homburger AG (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto) |
23.2 |
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Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1 hereto) |
23.3 |
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Consent of Homburger AG (included in Exhibit 8.2 hereto) |
Exhibit 1.1
EXECUTION VERSION
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
26,000,000 Shares
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
November 29, 2011
Barclays Capital Inc.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC,
As representatives (the Representatives) of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto
c/o Barclays Capital Inc.
745 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
c/o Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Eleven Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10010-3629
Credit Suisse AG
As subscriber (the Subscriber) under the Subscription
Agreement referred to herein
Credit Suisse AG
Paradeplatz 8
CH-8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the Company), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to the underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the Underwriters) 26,000,000 newly created shares of the Company (the Shares) with a par value of 15.00 Swiss Francs per share (such Shares, the Firm Securities), and also proposes to issue and sell to the Underwriters, at the option of the Underwriters, an aggregate of no more than 3,900,000 additional newly created Shares (the Optional Securities) to cover over-allotments, if any, as set forth below. The Firm Securities and the Optional Securities are herein collectively called the Securities.
This Agreement is complemented by the subscription agreement among the Company, Credit Suisse AG, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and
Barclays Capital Inc., dated November 29, 2011 (the Subscription Agreement) attached hereto as Annex I, which sets forth the procedure for, and the rights and obligations in relation to, the subscription for and issuance of the Securities under Swiss law.
1. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:
(a) An automatic shelf registration statement as defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), on Form S-3 (File No. 333-169401) in respect of the Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) not earlier than three years prior to the date hereof; such registration statement and any post-effective amendment thereto became effective on filing, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement, or any part thereof, has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the Commission and no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of such registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Act has been received by the Company (the base prospectus filed as part of such registration statement, in the form in which it has most recently been filed with the Commission on or prior to the date of this Agreement, is hereinafter called the Basic Prospectus; any preliminary prospectus (including any preliminary prospectus supplement) relating to the Securities filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act is hereinafter called a Preliminary Prospectus; the various parts of such registration statement, including all exhibits thereto but excluding Form T-1 and including any prospectus supplement relating to the Securities that is filed with the Commission and deemed by virtue of Rule 430B under the Act to be part of such registration statement, each as amended at the time such part of the registration statement became effective, are hereinafter collectively called the Registration Statement; the Basic Prospectus, as amended and supplemented immediately prior to the Applicable Time (as defined in Section 1(c) hereof), is hereinafter called the Pricing Prospectus; the form of the final prospectus relating to the Securities filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof is hereinafter called the Prospectus; any reference herein to the Basic Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Act, as of the date of such prospectus; any reference to any amendment or supplement to the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, any prospectus supplement relating to the Securities filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act and any documents filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and incorporated therein, in each case after the date of the Basic Prospectus, such Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be; any reference to any amendment to the Registration Statement shall be deemed to refer to and include any annual report of the Company filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the effective date of the Registration Statement that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement; and any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433 under the Act relating to the Securities is hereinafter called an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus;
(b) No order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus has been issued by the Commission or any Swiss
regulatory authority (including the SIX Swiss Exchange), and each Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein;
(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the Applicable Time is 5:45 P.M. (Eastern Time) on the date of this Agreement; the Pricing Prospectus and the information set forth in Schedule II hereof, taken together (collectively, the Pricing Disclosure Package) as of the Applicable Time, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Schedule III(a) hereto does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus and each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as supplemented by and taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements or omissions made in the Pricing Disclosure Package or an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein;
(d) The documents incorporated by reference in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and none of such documents contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or any further amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; and no such documents were filed with the Commission since the Commissions close of business on the business day immediately prior to the date of this Agreement and prior to the execution of this Agreement, except as set forth on Schedule III(b) hereto;
(e) The Registration Statement conforms, and the Prospectus and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder and do not, and as of the applicable effective date as to each part of the Registration Statement and as of the date thereof as to the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto did not or will not, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus;
(f) None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Prospectus any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, except for losses or interferences that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the general affairs, management, financial position, shareholders equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise (a Material Adverse Effect); and, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Pricing Prospectus, there has not been any change in the share capital of the Company (other than pursuant to any employee benefit plan of the Company) or increase in long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any change that would have a Material Adverse Effect or any development involving a prospective change that to the best knowledge of the Company would be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus;
(g) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of Switzerland, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Pricing Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties or conducts any business so as to require such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and each subsidiary of the Company listed on Schedule IV has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing (if applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;
(h) The Company has authorized and conditional share capital as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;
(i) Each of this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and the Company has all requisite right, authority and power to enter into and perform its obligations under each of this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement;
(j) The Firm Securities have been, and the Optional Securities, when paid for in the manner contemplated by the Subscription Agreement and recorded in the Commercial
Register of the Canton of Zug, will be, duly and validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable and conform to the description of the Shares set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package; the Companys shareholders statutory preemptive rights with respect to the Securities have been validly withdrawn and, as a result, the shareholders of the Company have no preemptive rights with respect to the Securities; and none of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of any security holder.
(k) The issue and sale of the Securities and the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein and therein contemplated (i) will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, nor will such action result in any violation of any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties, except for any such conflict, breach, violation or default which (A) would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, (B) would not impair the Companys ability to perform its obligations hereunder and (C) would not have any material adverse effect upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (ii) will not result in any violation of the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of the Securities or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement except such as have been, or will be at the time of such issue and sale or the time of consummation of such transaction, obtained under the Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, under applicable Swiss corporate law in connection with the registration of the Optional Securities in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug or under applicable Swiss securities laws or regulations in connection with the disclosure of significant shareholdings;
(l) Other than as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject, which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and, to the best of the Companys knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by others;
(m) None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in violation of its Articles of Association and Organizational Regulations, its Memorandum and Articles of Association, its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or equivalent documentation, as the case may be, or in default in the performance or observance of any material obligation, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be
bound, except for any such violation or default which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;
(n) The statements set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package under the captions Description of Transocean Ltd. Shares, Anti-Takeover Provisions, SummaryChange in Authorized Share Capital and Withdrawal of Preemptive Rights insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the terms of the Shares and the Securities, and under the captions Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations, Material Swiss Tax Consequences, and under the caption Underwriting, insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects;
(o) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof, will not be an investment company, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act);
(p) (A) (i) At the time of filing the Registration Statement, (ii) at the time of the most recent amendment thereto for the purposes of complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act (whether such amendment was by post-effective amendment, incorporated report filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or form of prospectus), and (iii) at the time the Company or any person acting on its behalf (within the meaning, for this clause only, of Rule 163(c) under the Act) made any offer relating to the Securities in reliance on the exemption of Rule 163 under the Act, the Company was a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 under the Act; and (B) at the earliest time after the filing of the Registration Statement that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Act) of the Securities, the Company was not an ineligible issuer as defined in Rule 405 under the Act;
(q) Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on behalf of any of them (provided that the Company makes no representation as to actions of the Underwriters) has, directly or indirectly, made offers or sales of any security, or solicited offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would require the publication of a prospectus under the securities laws of any EEA Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on behalf of any of them (provided that the Company makes no representation as to actions of the Underwriters) has engaged in any form of solicitation or advertising or in any directed selling efforts with respect to the Securities in the EEA Member States, except in circumstances permitted under the securities laws of such EEA Member States in accordance with the Prospectus Directive without invoking an offering to the public (as defined in the Prospectus Directive). With regard to jurisdictions other than the United States and the EEA Member States, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates nor any person acting on its or their behalf (provided that the Company makes no representation as to actions of the Underwriters) has taken any action in any jurisdiction that would require it to make any filing or give any notice in such jurisdiction in connection with the Offering. The expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the relevant
EEA Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the relevant EEA Member State and the expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU;
(r) Ernst & Young LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and have audited the Companys internal control over financial reporting are independent registered public accountants;
(s) The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and has been designed by the Companys principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or under their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Management of the Company assessed internal control over financial reporting of the Company as of December 31, 2010 and concluded internal control over financial reporting was effective as of such date. The Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in the Companys internal control over financial reporting;
(t) Except as disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, there has been no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting;
(u) The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act; such disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management and such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2011;
(v) Except as disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, under the current laws and regulations of Switzerland and any political subdivision thereof, all payments of dividends, if any, and any other payments due or made on the Securities may be paid by the Company to the holder thereof in United States dollars that may be converted into foreign currency and freely transferred out of Switzerland, and all such payments made to holders thereof who are non-residents of Switzerland will not be subject to income, withholding or other taxes under the laws and regulations of Switzerland or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, and, except for the stamp duty described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, such payments will otherwise be free and clear of any other tax, duty, withholding or deduction in Switzerland or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein and without the necessity of obtaining any governmental authorization in Switzerland or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein;
(w) Prior to the date of this Agreement, none of the Company nor any of its affiliates has taken any action which is designed to or which has constituted, or which might
have been expected to cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company in connection with the offering of the Securities;
(x) Except as disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package (including, for the avoidance of doubt, disclosure through filing any such contract, agreement or understanding as an exhibit to a filing incorporated by reference), there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Act with respect to any securities of the Company owned or to be owned by such person or to require the Company to include such securities in the securities registered pursuant to a Registration Statement or in any securities being registered pursuant to any other registration statement filed by the Company under the Act (collectively, registration rights), and any person to whom the Company has granted registration rights has agreed not to exercise such rights until after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period referred to in Section 4(k) hereof;
(y) The Securities have been approved for listing on SIX Swiss Exchange, subject to notice of issuance;
(z) The Company is not overindebted or suffering from a capital loss within the meaning of article 725 CO; and
(aa) The Company does not intend to acquire any assets from third parties out of the proceeds from the Offering which intention would warrant a disclosure as a planned acquisition in kind in the sense of article 628 para. 2 CO.
2. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Subscription Agreement, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the several Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the purchase price per share listed in Schedule II, the respective numbers of Firm Securities set forth opposite the names of the Underwriters in Schedule I hereto;
(b) The Company will deliver the Firm Securities to or as instructed by the Representatives for the accounts of the several Underwriters in a form reasonably acceptable to the Representatives against payment of the purchase price by the Underwriters in Federal (same day) funds by wire transfer to an account at a bank acceptable to the Representatives, drawn to the order of the Company, at the office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, at 10:00 A.M., New York time, on December 5, 2011, or at such other time not later than seven full business days thereafter as the Representatives and the Company determine, such time being herein referred to as the First Closing Date. For purposes of Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, the First Closing Date (if later than the otherwise applicable settlement date) shall be the settlement date for payment of funds and delivery of securities for all the Securities sold pursuant to the offering;
(c) In addition, upon written notice from the Representatives given to the Company not more than 30 days subsequent to the date of the Final Prospectus, the Underwriters may purchase all or less than all of the Optional Securities at the purchase price per Security to be paid for the Firm Securities. The Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the number of
Optional Securities specified in such notice and the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase such Optional Securities. Such Optional Securities shall be purchased for the account of each Underwriter in the same proportion as the number of Firm Securities set forth opposite such Underwriters name bears to the total number of Firm Securities (subject to adjustment by the Representatives to eliminate fractions) and may be purchased by the Underwriters only for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the Firm Securities. No Optional Securities shall be sold or delivered unless the Firm Securities previously have been, or simultaneously are, registered in the Commercial Register, sold and delivered. The right to purchase the Optional Securities or any portion thereof may be exercised no more than once and to the extent not previously exercised may be surrendered and terminated at any time upon notice by the Representatives to the Company; and
(d) Each time for the delivery of and payment for the Optional Securities, being herein referred to as an Optional Closing Date, which may be the First Closing Date (the First Closing Date and each Optional Closing Date, if any, being sometimes referred to as a Time of Delivery), shall be determined by the Representatives but shall be no earlier than two full business days and not later than five full business days after written notice of election to purchase Optional Securities is given (an Overallotment Notice) but in any case only after registration of the increase in the Companys share capital in connection with the Optional Shares (which the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to achieve). The Company will deliver the Optional Securities being purchased on each Optional Closing Date to or as instructed by the Representatives for the accounts of the several Underwriters in a form reasonably acceptable to the Representatives, against payment of the purchase price therefor in Federal (same day) funds by wire transfer to an account at a bank acceptable to the Representatives drawn to the order of the Company, at the above office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.
3. Upon the authorization by the Representatives of the release of the Securities, the several Underwriters propose to offer the Securities for sale to the public as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package.
4. The Company agrees with each of the Underwriters:
(a) To prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by the Representatives and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act not later than the Commissions close of business on the second business day following the date of this Agreement or such earlier time as may be required under the Act; to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus or the Prospectus prior to the Time of Delivery which shall be disapproved by the Representatives promptly after reasonable notice thereof; to advise the Representatives, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus has been filed and to furnish the Representatives with copies thereof; to file promptly all other material required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act; to file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so long as the delivery of a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the
notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required in connection with the offering or sale of the Securities; to advise the Representatives, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or other prospectus in respect of the Securities, of any notice of objection of the Commission to the use of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Act, of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or other prospectus relating to the Securities or suspending any such qualification, to promptly use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order; and in the event of any such issuance of a notice of objection pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Act, promptly to take such steps including, without limitation, amending the Registration Statement or filing a new registration statement, at its own expense, as may be necessary to permit offers and sales of the Securities by the Underwriters (references herein to the Registration Statement shall include any such amendment or new registration statement);
(b) If required by Rule 430B(h) under the Act, to prepare a form of prospectus in a form approved by the Representatives and to file such form of prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act not later than may be required by Rule 424(b) under the Act; and to make no further amendment or supplement to such form of prospectus (other than required periodic reports filed nine months or more after the date of the prospectus that do not directly relate to the offering of the Securities) which shall be disapproved by the Representatives promptly after reasonable notice thereof;
(c) If by the third anniversary (the Renewal Deadline) of the initial effective date of the Registration Statement, any of the Securities remain unsold by the Underwriters, the Company will file, if it has not already done so and is eligible to do so, a new automatic shelf registration statement relating to the Securities, in a form satisfactory to the Representatives. If at the Renewal Deadline the Company is no longer eligible to file an automatic shelf registration statement, the Company will, if it has not already done so, file a new shelf registration statement relating to the Securities, in a form satisfactory to the Representatives and will use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective within 180 days after the Renewal Deadline. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to take all other action necessary or appropriate to permit the public offering and sale of the Securities to continue as contemplated in the expired registration statement relating to the Securities. References herein to the Registration Statement shall include such new automatic shelf registration statement or such new shelf registration statement, as the case may be. Any expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, reproduction and filing of such new shelf registration statement (including the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Companys counsel and accountants in connection therewith) shall be paid by the Underwriters;
(d) Promptly from time to time to take such action as the Representatives may reasonably request to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may request and to comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions for as long as may be necessary to
complete the distribution of the Securities, provided that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction;
(e) Prior to 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and from time to time, to furnish the Underwriters with written and electronic copies of the Prospectus in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request, and, if the delivery of a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required at any time prior to the expiration of nine months after the time of issue of the Prospectus in connection with the offering or sale of the Securities and if at such time any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus or to file under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act or the Exchange Act, to notify the Representatives and upon the Representatives request to file such document and to prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter as many written and electronic copies as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance (it being understood that (i) the Company is not required to so notify any Underwriter, if such Underwriter has previously notified the Company that it has completed its resale of the Securities purchased by it hereunder and that (ii) it would not be reasonable for the Underwriter to request any such copies if the Underwriter has completed its resale of the Securities purchased by it hereunder); and in case any Underwriter is required to deliver a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) in connection with sales of any of the Securities at any time nine months or more after the time of issue of the Prospectus, upon the Representatives request but at the expense of such Underwriter, to prepare and deliver to such Underwriter as many written and electronic copies as the Representatives may request of an amended or supplemented Prospectus complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act;
(f) To pay the required Commission filing fees relating to the Securities within the time required by Rule 456(b)(1) under the Act without regard to the proviso therein and otherwise in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Act;
(g) To make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than eighteen months after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act), an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158);
(h) To use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement in the manner specified in the Pricing Prospectus under the caption Use of Proceeds;
(i) The Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities;
(j) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters and their affiliates against any documentary, stamp or similar issue tax, including any interest and penalties, on the creation, issue and sale of the Securities and on the execution and delivery of this Agreement. All payments to be made by the Company hereunder shall be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties or governmental charges whatsoever unless the Company is compelled by law to deduct or withhold such taxes, duties or charges. In that event, the Company shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received after such withholding or deduction shall equal the amounts that would have been received if no withholding or deduction had been made; and
(k) For the period specified below (the Lock-Up Period), the Company will not, directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions with respect to its Shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any of its Shares (Lock-Up Securities): (i) offer, sell, issue, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of Lock-Up Securities, (ii) offer, sell, issue, contract to sell, contract to purchase or grant any option, right or warrant to purchase Lock-Up Securities, (iii) enter into any swap, hedge or any other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequences of ownership of Lock-Up Securities, (iv) establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position in Lock-Up Securities within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (v) file with the Commission a registration statement under the Act relating to Lock-Up Securities, or publicly disclose the intention to take any such action, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, except issuances of Lock-Up Securities pursuant to the exercise, conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities or other obligations convertible into or exchangeable for Shares, including but not limited to options, stock appreciation rights, deferred units or warrants, in each case outstanding on the date hereof and issued or granted pursuant to a plan, agreement or other document described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, grants of employee stock options, stock appreciation rights, deferred units and similar awards pursuant to the terms of a plan in effect on the date hereof and issued or granted pursuant to a plan, agreement or other document described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, issuances of Lock-Up Securities pursuant to the exercise of such awards or the exercise of any other options, stock appreciation rights, deferred units or similar awards outstanding on the date hereof and described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Lock-Up Period will commence on the date hereof and continue for sixty (60) days after the date hereof or such earlier date that the Representatives consent to in writing; provided, however, that the Company may file a registration statement covering the offer, sale, issuance or other disposition of Lock-Up Securities upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities or other obligations convertible into or exchangeable for Shares (provided that such securities or other obligations do not themselves violate this Section 4(k)).
5. (a) (i) The Company represents and agrees that, other than the free writing prospectuses listed on Schedule III hereto, without the prior consent of the Representatives, it
has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute a free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 405 under the Act;
(ii) Each Underwriter represents and agrees that, without the prior consent of the Company and the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute a free writing prospectus; and
(iii) Any such free writing prospectus the use of which has been consented to by the Company and the Representatives is listed on Schedule III hereto.
(b) The Company has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 under the Act applicable to any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission or retention where required and legending.
(c) The Company agrees that if at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus any event occurred or occurs as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus would conflict with the information in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then prevailing, not misleading, the Company will give prompt notice thereof to the Representatives and, if requested by the Representatives, will prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or other document that will correct such conflict, statement or omission; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions in an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.
6. The Company covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters that the Company will pay or cause to be paid the following: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Companys counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, reproduction and filing of the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers; (ii) the cost of printing or producing this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement, any Blue Sky Memorandum, closing documents (including any compilations thereof) and any other documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities; (iii) all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Securities for offering and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 4(d) hereof, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky Memorandum; (iv) the fees and expenses of the Companys registrar and transfer agent and any agent of the registrar and transfer agent and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Companys registrar and transfer agent in connection with the Securities; (v) fees and expenses incident to listing the Securities on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange; (vi) the Swiss stamp duty payable in connection with the issuance of the Securities;
and (vii) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including the costs and expenses set forth in Section 8 of the Subscription Agreement, that are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. It is understood, however, that, except as provided in this Section, and Sections 8 and 11 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees of their counsel, transfer taxes on resale of any of the Securities by them, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.
7. The obligations of the Underwriters shall be subject, in their discretion, to the condition that all representations and warranties and other statements of the Company herein are, at and as of the Time of Delivery, true and correct, the condition that the Company shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed, and the following additional conditions:
(a) The Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof; any material required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act shall have been filed with the Commission within the applicable time periods prescribed for such filings by Rule 433; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission and no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Act shall have been received; no stop order suspending or preventing the use of the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to the Representatives reasonable satisfaction;
(b) Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, shall have furnished to the Representatives such written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery, with respect to the Securities, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package and such other matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters;
(c) Bär & Karrer AG, special Swiss counsel for the Underwriters, shall have furnished to the Representatives such written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery, with respect to the Securities, the Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package and such other matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters;
(d) Baker Botts L.L.P., United States counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives a written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery, substantially in the form of Annex II(a) hereto and reasonably acceptable to the Representatives;
(e) Heather G. Callender, Associate General Counsel of the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives a written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery, substantially in the form of Annex II(b) hereto and reasonably acceptable to the Representatives;
(f) Homburger AG, special Swiss counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives a written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery, substantially in the form of Annex II(c) hereto and reasonably acceptable to the Representatives;
(g) On the date hereof, on the effective date of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement and also at the Time of Delivery, Ernst & Young LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter or letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, in form and substance agreed by the Representatives prior to the execution of this Agreement;
(h) None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries shall have sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Prospectus any loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, that would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, and (ii) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Pricing Prospectus there shall not have been any change in the share capital of the Company (other than pursuant to any employee benefit plan of the Company) or increase in long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any change that would have a Material Adverse Effect, or any development involving a prospective change that would have a Material Adverse Effect, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, the effect of which, in any such case described in clause (i) or (ii), is in the Representatives judgment so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus;
(i) On or after the Applicable Time (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Companys debt securities by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Act, and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of any of the Companys debt securities (in the case of each of clause (i) and (ii), provided that repetition after the Applicable Time of a rating agency action announced prior to the Applicable Time shall not constitute nonfulfillment of this condition);
(j) On or after the Applicable Time there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or SIX Swiss Exchange; (ii) a suspension or material limitation in trading in the Companys securities on the New York Stock Exchange or SIX Swiss Exchange; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities declared by either Federal or New York State authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States or Switzerland; (iv) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or Switzerland or the declaration by the United States or Switzerland of a national emergency or war or (v) the occurrence of any other calamity or crisis or any change in financial, political or economic conditions in the United States, Switzerland or elsewhere; if the effect of any such event specified in clause (iv) or (v) in the Representatives
judgment makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus;
(k) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representatives at the Time of Delivery a certificate or certificates of officers of the Company satisfactory to the Representatives as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein at and as of such Time of Delivery, as to the performance by the Company of all of its obligations hereunder to be performed at or prior to such Time of Delivery, as to the matters set forth in subsections (a) and (h) of this Section and as to such other matters as the Representatives may reasonably request;
(l) The New York Stock Exchange shall have approved the Securities for listing, subject to official notice of issuance.
(m) The SIX Swiss Exchange shall have given its approval to the listing of the Firm Securities, effective as of the first day of trading; and
(n) The Firm Securities shall have been validly created and registered with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug.
8. (a) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and its affiliates against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Underwriter or its affiliates may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any issuer information filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each Underwriter and its affiliates for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or its affiliates in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability (x) that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection or (y) to the extent that the indemnifying party does not suffer actual prejudice as a result of such failure. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include any statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then, except to the extent (but only to the extent) that the indemnifying party suffers actual prejudice as a result of any failure by the indemnified party to notify the indemnifying party of any action, proceeding or investigation as contemplated by subsection (c) of this Section 8, each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Securities. If, however, the
allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then, except to the extent (but only to the extent) that the indemnifying party suffers actual prejudice as a result of any failure by the indemnified party to notify the indemnifying party of any action, proceeding or investigation as contemplated by subsection (c) of this Section 8, each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.
(e) The obligations of the Company under this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act; and the obligations of the Underwriters under this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of the Company and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act.
9. (a) If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Securities which it has agreed to purchase hereunder on the First Closing Date or the Optional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Representatives may in their discretion arrange for the
Representatives or another party or other parties to purchase such Securities on the terms contained herein. If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter the Representatives do not arrange for the purchase of such Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty-six hours within which to procure another party or other parties satisfactory to the Representatives to purchase such Securities on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed periods, the Representatives notify the Company that the Representatives have so arranged for the purchase of such Securities, or the Company notifies the Representatives that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Securities, the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Time of Delivery for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in the Representatives opinion may thereby be made necessary. The term Underwriter as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Securities.
(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the number of such Securities which remains unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the number of all the Securities, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the number of Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Securities of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the number of such Securities which remains unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the number of all the Securities, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then this Agreement shall thereupon terminate (provided that if such default occurs with respect to Optional Securities after the First Closing Date, this Agreement will not terminate as to the Firm Securities purchased prior to such termination), without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the Company and the Underwriters as provided in Section 6 hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 8 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
10. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the several Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling person of any Underwriter, or the Company, or
any officer or director or controlling person of the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Securities.
11. If this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 9 hereof, the Company shall not then be under any liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 6 and 8 hereof and except as set forth in the Subscription Agreement; but, if for any other reason, the Securities are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company as provided herein, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters through the Representatives for all out-of-pocket expenses approved in writing by the Representatives, including fees and disbursements of counsel, reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities, but the Company shall then be under no further liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 6 and 8 hereof.
12. In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives shall act on behalf of each of the Underwriters, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by you jointly as the Representatives.
All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to you as the Representatives in care of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Eleven Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010-3629, Attention: LCD-IBD and Barclays Capital Inc., 745 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Syndicate Registration (Fax: (646) 834-8133); if to the Subscriber shall be delivered or sent by mail telex or facsimile transmission to Credit Suisse AG, Paradeplatz 8, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland, Attention: Transaction Advisory Group ZUOD 1 (Fax: +41 44 332 58 55); and if to the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, CH-6300 Zug, Switzerland (Fax: +41 41 749 05 01), Attention: Philippe A. Huber, with a copy to Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., 4 Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046 (Fax: (713) 232-7611), Attention: Heather G. Callender; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 8(c) hereof shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters Questionnaire, or telex constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to the Company by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.
13. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters, the Company and, to the extent provided in Sections 8 and 10 hereof, the officers and directors of the Company and each person who controls the Company or any Underwriter, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.
14. Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement. As used herein, the term business day shall mean any day when the Commissions office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.
15. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement is an arms-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other, (ii) in connection therewith and with the process leading to such transaction each Underwriter is acting solely as a principal and not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, (iii) no Underwriter has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading to the offering of the Securities (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters) or any other obligation to the Company except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement and (iv) the Company has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate. The Company agrees that it will not claim that the Underwriters, or any of them, has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to the Company, in connection with such transaction or the process leading to the offering of the Securities.
16. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the offering of the Securities (other than the Subscription Agreement).
17. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
18. The Company and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
19. This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
20. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company is authorized to disclose to any persons the U.S. federal and state tax treatment and tax structure of the potential transaction and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions and other tax analyses) provided to the Company relating to that treatment and structure, without the Underwriters imposing any limitation of any kind. However, any information relating to the tax treatment and tax structure shall remain confidential (and the foregoing sentence shall not apply) to the extent necessary to enable any person to comply with securities laws. For this purpose, tax structure is limited to any facts that may be relevant to that treatment.
If the foregoing is in accordance with the Representatives understanding, please sign and return to us five counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by the Representatives, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement among each of the Underwriters and the Company. It is understood that the Representatives acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on the Representatives part as to the authority of the signers thereof.
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Very truly yours, | ||
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Transocean Ltd. | ||
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By: |
/s/ Ricardo H. Rosa | |
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Name: |
Ricardo H. Rosa |
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Title: |
EVP & CFO |
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
Accepted as of the date hereof
Barclays Capital Inc.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC,
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
By: |
Barclays Capital Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ Victoria Hale |
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Name: |
Victoria Hale |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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By: |
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC |
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By: |
/s/ David B. Andrews |
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Name: |
David B. Andrews |
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Title: |
Managing Director |
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Credit Suisse AG, |
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As Subscriber |
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By: |
Credit Suisse AG |
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gottstein |
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Name: |
Thomas Gottstein |
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Title: |
Managing Director |
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By: |
/s/ Patrick Treuer |
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Name: |
Patrick Treuer |
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Title: |
Managing Director |
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[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
Underwriter |
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Number of Firm |
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Barclays Capital Inc. |
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13,000,000 |
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Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC |
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13,000,000 |
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Total |
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26,000,000 |
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SCHEDULE II
Pricing Information
USD Purchase Price: |
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$39.17 per share |
SCHEDULE III
(a) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses:
(1) Supplemental Swiss financial statements, as filed pursuant to Rule 433 on November 29, 2011.
(2) Launch press release dated November 29, 2011, as filed pursuant to Rule 433 on November 29, 2011.
(3) Electronic distribution legend, as filed pursuant to Rule 433 on November 29, 2011.
(4) Electronic roadshow, available on www.netroadshow.com on November 29, 2011.
(b) Additional Documents Incorporated by Reference:
None.
SCHEDULE IV
Identified Subsidiaries
Transocean Inc. (Cayman Islands)
Transocean Worldwide Inc. (Cayman Islands)
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc. (Delaware)
Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited (Cayman Islands)
Transocean Services AS
ANNEX I
Subscription Agreement
Execution Version
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on November 29, 2011
among
Credit Suisse AG, a company registered in Switzerland and having its registered office at Paradeplatz 8, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland (CS Zurich); and
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Eleven Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10010-3629 (CS)
Barclays Capital Inc.
745 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019 (Barclays)
(CS and Barclays jointly the Underwriters)
and
Transocean Ltd. (the Company), a company registered in Switzerland and having its registered office at Turmstrasse 30, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
(the Company, CS Zurich and the Underwriters jointly the Parties)
Whereas:
The Company proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated in an underwriting agreement to be entered into on or around November 29, 2011 substantially in the form attached as Annex A (the Underwriting Agreement), to sell to the Underwriters 26,000,000 newly issued and fully paid registered shares of the Company with a par value of CHF 15.00 per share (the Firm Shares) and also proposes to issue and sell to the Underwriters, at the option of the Underwriters, an aggregate of not more than an additional 3,900,000 shares of the Company with a par value of CHF 15.00 per share (the Optional Shares). The Firm Shares and the Optional Shares are herein collectively called the Shares.
The Shares are intended to be offered by the Underwriters to investors in an accelerated bookbuilding procedure by way of a registered public offering in the United States and a public offering in Switzerland as well as private placements in certain other jurisdictions where such offering is permitted by law (the Offering).
This Agreement sets out the subscription by CS Zurich acting on its own behalf and on behalf of the Underwriters of the Firm Shares, and, if applicable, the Optional Shares on its own behalf and on behalf of the Underwriters for the purpose of conducting the Offering as will be set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
Terms in uppercase used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the form of Underwriting Agreement.
Now, therefore, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Authority and Legal Basis
The Company confirms that (i) it has an authorized share capital of CHF 1,005,705,855 consisting of 67,047,057 registered shares with a nominal value of CHF 15 each (the Authorized Share Capital), and (ii) its board of directors (the Board of Directors) has resolved on an increase in share capital of the Company (Durchführungsbeschluss) from CHF 5,028,529,470 to a maximum of CHF 5,478,529,470 by issuing a maximum of 30,000,000 Shares to the Underwriters based on the Authorized Share Capital, whereby all statutory pre-emptive rights to which the shareholders of the Company are entitled under Swiss law have been validly withdrawn (the Capital Increase).
2. Creation of Firm Shares
The Underwriters hereby expressly authorize CS Zurich to act on their behalf as follows, and CS Zurich, acting in its own name and on behalf and on account of the Underwriters, will, on the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, do as follows:
a) subscribe, not later than 10:30 a.m. (CET) on 29 November 2011 (the Capital Increase Date), for the Firm Shares and to deliver the corresponding subscription form to the place and person in the City of Zurich (both as designated by the Company) not later than 10:30 a.m. (CET) on 29 November 2011; and
b) deposit or cause to be deposited, not later than 10:15 a.m. (CET) on the Capital Increase Date, same day funds for value on the Capital Increase Date, in the total amount of CHF 390,000,000 (aggregate nominal value of the Firm Shares) with Zürcher Kantonalbank (the Capital Increase Bank) in a blocked account for the capital increase (Kapitaleinzahlungskonto, the Capital Increase Account), and to cause the Capital Increase Bank to issue a written confirmation of payment of this amount to the Capital Increase Account to the place and person in the City of Zurich (both as designated by the Company) not later than 10:30 a.m. (CET) on the Capital Increase Date.
No later than 1:00 p.m. (CET) on the Capital Increase Date, the Board of Directors (or a committee or board member duly authorised by the Board of Directors) will do the following:
a) adopt a report on the Capital Increase (Kapitalerhöhungsbericht) and take note of the auditors report (Prüfungsbestätigung), both in accordance with Swiss statutory law;
b) resolve on the Capital Increase and make all amendments to the articles of association of the Company necessary in connection with the Capital Increase (Feststellungsbeschluss); and
c) file the Capital Increase resolution with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug.
3. Issuance and Registration of Firm Shares
Immediately after the registration of the Capital Increase with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, but in no event later than 6.30 p.m. (CET) on the Capital Increase Date, the Company will:
a) deliver to each of CS Zurich, SIX Swiss Exchange, the Capital Increase Bank and the share registrar of the Company, a certified excerpt from the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug and certified updated articles of association of the Company evidencing the Capital Increase;
b) take all steps necessary to ensure that the Firm Shares (i) are issued to CS Zurich on the Capital Increase Date, (ii) will be duly recorded in the US clearing system DTC for the account of CS as settlement agent on behalf of the Underwriters on the First Closing Date, and (iii) are freely transferable, subject to any restrictions applicable under the Companys articles of association and under applicable laws, on the First Closing Date; and
c) transfer the funds deposited on the Capital Increase Account to a blocked account in CHF to be opened for the Company with Credit Suisse AG. Any fees payable to the Capital Increase Bank for such transfer shall be paid by the Company directly. The funds will remain deposited, without interest, for the account of the Company until the earlier of (i) the First Closing Date and (ii) if an Event of Non-Completion occurs, the date of receipt by CS Zurich acting on behalf of the Underwriters of the proceeds resulting from the transactions described in Section 10.
4. Creation of Optional Shares
In case the Underwriters exercise the overallotment option pursuant to Section 2(c) of the Underwriting Agreement, the Company undertakes to issue Optional Shares and the Underwriters hereby expressly authorize CS Zurich to act on their behalf as follows, and CS Zurich, acting on account of the Underwriters, will, on the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, do as follows:
a) subscribe, not later than 6:15 a.m. (CET) on the third trading day following the Companys receipt of the Overallotment Notice, or such other date as may be agreed between the Parties (Overallotment Capital Increase Date), for the Optional Shares and to deliver the corresponding subscription form to the place and person in the City of Zurich (both as designated by the Company) not later than 6:30 a.m. (CET) on such date;
b) deposit or cause to be deposited, not later than 6:15 a.m. (CET) on the Overallotment Capital Increase Date, same day funds for value on such date, in the total amount of the aggregate nominal value of the Optional Shares with the Capital Increase Bank in the Capital Increase Account established for the Optional Shares, and to cause the Capital Increase Bank to issue a written confirmation of payment of this amount to the place and person in the City of Zurich (both as designated by the Company) not later than 6:30 a.m. (CET).
No later than 8:15 a.m. (CET) on the Overallotment Capital Increase Date, the Board of Directors (or a committee or board member duly authorised by the Board of Directors) will do the following (the Overallotment Capital Increase):
a) adopt a report on the Overallotment Capital Increase (Kapitalerhöhungsbericht) and take note of the auditors report (Prüfungsbestätigung), both in accordance with Swiss statutory law;
b) resolve on the Overallotment Capital Increase and make all amendments to the articles of association of the Company necessary in connection with the Overallotment Capital Increase (Feststellungsbeschluss); and
c) file the Overallotment Capital Increase resolution with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug.
5. Issuance and Registration of Optional Shares
Immediately after the registration of the Overallotment Capital Increase with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, but in no event later than 4:00 p.m. (CET) on the Overallotment Capital Increase Date, the Company will:
a) deliver to each of CS Zurich, SIX Swiss Exchange, the Capital Increase Bank and the share registrar of the Company, a certified excerpt from the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug and certified updated articles of association of the Company evidencing the Capital Increase;
b) take all steps necessary to ensure that the Optional Shares (i) are issued to CS Zurich on the Overallotment Capital Increase Date, (ii) will be duly recorded in the US clearing system DTC for the account CS as settlement agent on behalf of the Underwriters on the Optional Closing Date, and (iii) are freely transferable, subject to any restrictions applicable under the Companys articles of association and under applicable laws, on the Optional Closing Date; and
c) transfer the funds deposited on the blocked Capital Increase Account referred to in Section 3.b) to a blocked account to be opened for the Company with Credit Suisse AG; any fees payable to the Capital Increase Bank for such transfer shall be paid by the Company directly. The funds will remain deposited, without interest, for the account of the Company until the Optional Closing Date.
6. Representations and Warranties
The Company makes the representations and warranties in Section 1 of the form of Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as Annex A in favour of CS Zurich and the Underwriters.
7. Listing
In connection with the Offering, CS Zurich has been appointed by the Company to act as its recognized representative pursuant to article 43 of the Listing Rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange (the Listing Rules). The Company has authorized CS
Zurich to arrange for announcements in connection with the listing of the Firm Shares and the Optional Shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange, to be published at the Companys expense in accordance with the Listing Rules, or other publications and on such dates as the Parties may agree.
The Company procures that CS Zurich shall have received a letter substantially in the form of Annex B no later than 4 p.m. (CET) on November 29, 2011.
8. Expenses
a) The Company shall pay the Underwriters the commissions, fees and expenses or provide the discounts as set forth in the form of Underwriting Agreement. Except as set forth in Sections 8 and 10, no additional fees or expenses shall be paid to CS Zurich for the subscription of the Shares hereunder.
b) For the avoidance of doubt, the Underwriters shall deduct the aggregate nominal value of the Shares at the First Closing Date or the Optional Closing Date, as applicable, from the proceeds payable to the Company by the Underwriters and, to this extent, the Company herewith authorizes CS Zurich to effect such deduction by debiting same-day funds (i) in the amount of CHF 390,000,000 (aggregate nominal value of the Firm Shares) at the First Closing Date, and (ii) in the amount of the aggregate nominal value of the Optional Shares at the Optional Closing Date, from the account of the Company with Credit Suisse AG as referred to in Sections 2.b) and 4.b) above.
c) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid or reimbursed all taxes arising as a result of (i) the issuance of Shares, (ii) the sale and transfer by the Company of the Shares to the Underwriters and (iii) the sale and transfer from the Underwriters to investors in the manner contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement, including, in any such case, any Swiss federal stamp duties on the issuance of the Shares of one per cent of the purchase prices as determined in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, withholding, value added, transfer or other tax (but excluding any brokerage fee and any income tax on capital gains from the sale of the Shares and any tax on or determined by reference to the income of the Underwriters by reason to the purchase and resale of Shares pursuant to this Offering) asserted against or to be reimbursed by the Underwriters by reason of the purchase and sale of a Share pursuant to the Offering;
d) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid or reimbursed all fees and expenses in connection with the listing of the Shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange, including, if applicable, any stock exchange levies incidental to such listings;
e) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid or reimbursed the cost and charges of any clearing arrangements, or related costs;
f) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid or reimbursed the costs of the creation of Shares, including but not limited to notarization fees and filing fees with the competent Swiss commercial registers.
All amounts payable under this section may be subject to value added or any other taxes and withholdings, as attributable, which shall be paid by the Company.
The commission, fees and expenses to be paid or reimbursed by the Company under this Section may be deducted from the proceeds payable to the Company by the Underwriters and shall, if not deducted from the proceeds at the First Closing Date, be due and invoiced as incurred, and shall be payable in accordance with the instructions specified on such invoice.
9. Liability
The Company agrees that CS Zurich and the Underwriters shall have no liability to the Company or other parties such as the Companys owners, subsidiaries, affiliates or associated companies, employees, advisers, security holders or creditors for any losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities relating to or arising out of the performance of the transactions under this Agreement by CS Zurich, any Underwriter and/or their respective auxiliary persons under article 101 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, other than by reason of gross negligence or wilful misconduct of CS Zurich and/or its auxiliary persons under article 101 of the Swiss Code of Obligations.
10. Event of Non-Completion
If, after application and registration of the Capital Increase or the Overallotment Capital Increase, as the case may be, with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug pursuant to Section 2 or 4 above, as applicable, but prior to the First Closing Date or the Optional Closing Date, respectively:
(i) the Underwriting Agreement has not been executed by 1 December 2011 8 a.m. (CET); or
(ii) any condition in the Underwriting Agreement to the Underwriters obligation thereunder to purchase the Firm Shares or the Optional Shares, respectively, on or before the First Closing Date or the Optional Closing Date (each as defined in the Underwriting Agreement) shall not have been fulfilled or waived; or
(iii) the Underwriting Agreement shall have terminated according to Section 10(c) of the Underwriting Agreement;
(any of the events pursuant to Section 10(i), (ii) or (iii) above, an Event of Non-Completion)
and unless the Company and CS Zurich acting on behalf of the Underwriters otherwise agree after the Event of Non-Completion, then:
· the Company shall have a call option pursuant to para. a) below;
· if the call option is not exercised, the Underwriters shall have a put option against the Company as provided in para. b) below;
· if the sale of the Firm Shares and of the Optional Shares is not effected in accordance with para. a) or b) below, the Company shall effect a capital reduction pursuant to para. c) below;
· if the capital reduction pursuant to para. c) below is not or will not be effected, the Underwriters may sell the Firm Shares and the Optional Shares as provided
in para d) below.
a) Call Option
The Company shall have the right (the Call Option) to request in writing that the Underwriters deliver the Firm Shares or the Optional Shares, as the case may be, to an account specified by the Company against payment of an amount representing the aggregate nominal value of the respective Firm Shares or Optional Shares, respectively, plus expenses of CS Zurich as set out in para. f) below. The Call Option shall expire on the fifth calendar day after the Event of Non-Completion.
b) Put Option
Following the expiry of the Call Option pursuant to para. a) above, CS Zurich, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, shall have an option (the Put Option) to require the Company, subject to article 659 of the Swiss Code of Obligations and applicable laws, to purchase the Firm Shares or Optional Shares, as the case may be, entered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug at their nominal value, plus expenses of CS Zurich and the Underwriters as set out in para. e), within ten calendar days after receipt of a notice in writing addressed to the Company from CS Zurich, stating that CS Zurich acting on behalf of the Underwriters exercises the Put Option.
The notice in which CS Zurich, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, exercises the Put Option shall specify the date on which the Firm Shares or the Optional Shares, respectively, subject to the Put Option shall be delivered to the Company and shall contain detailed instructions regarding payment and delivery of the Firm Shares or Optional Shares (subject to an agreement to the contrary by CS Zurich with the Company).
c) Capital Reduction
If the Call Option and the Put Option are not exercised within the deadlines set forth in para. a) and b) above, the Company shall include in the invitation to an extraordinary shareholders meeting (which shall be called by the Company as soon as practicable under applicable law after the deadlines set forth in para. a) and b) above have expired) an agenda item pursuant to which the shareholders of the Company shall resolve on a reduction of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company (the Capital Reduction) by cancellation of the Firm Shares and/or Optional Shares entered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug against repayment of the aggregate nominal value of such Firm Shares and/or Optional Shares to CS Zurich acting on behalf of the Underwriters. Prior to such shareholders meeting, the auditors of the Company shall confirm in writing, pursuant to article 732 para. 2 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, that the claims of the Companys creditors are covered notwithstanding the Capital Reduction.
d) Sale of Firm Shares or Optional Shares
In addition, in the event that (i) if an Event of Non-Completion occurs and the Company fails to acquire the Firm Shares or Optional Shares in accordance with para. a) above, and (ii) to the extent the Put Option is insufficient to dispose of the Firm Shares or the Optional Shares, respectively, and (iii) the Capital Reduction pursuant to para. c) above has not occurred by June 18, 2012, then CS Zurich, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, may, acting reasonably, sell any or
all Firm Shares or Optional Shares subject to compliance with applicable laws. The difference between the proceeds of such sale and the nominal amount of such Shares sold, less the commission and any expenses reasonably incurred by CS Zurich in connection with the sale, shall be transferred to the Company.
e) Payment and Costs
In case the amount transferred to the account of the Company held with CS Zurich as referred to in Section 2.c) at any time from the transfer of such amount to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are not sufficient for debiting of the amount due under the Call Option, the Put Option, the sale of Firm Shares or of Optional Shares or the Capital Reduction, as applicable, by CS Zurich, the Underwriters undertake to provide funds in equal parts in the same amount to CS Zurich, such funds to be returned to the Underwriters upon payment by the Company under the Call Option, the Put Option, the sale of Firm Shares or Optional Shares or the Capital Reduction, as applicable, has occurred.
The Company shall bear (i) all costs directly incidental to the transactions set forth in this Section 10, including but not limited to notarization costs, costs of the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug and costs of publication of the Capital Reduction; (ii) the costs of CS Zurich and the Underwriters reasonably incurred in connection with the Capital Reduction (including but not limited to (x) taxes, (y) interest at a rate of the 3 month CHF-LIBOR, calculated on a 30/360 basis from the date of the Event of Non-Completion until the date of payment of proceeds to CS Zurich and (z) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of CS Zurich); provided, however, it is understood that CS Zurich and the Underwriters will pay all of the fees of their own counsel with respect to the transactions set forth in this Section 10
The Company further undertakes to indemnify and hold harmless CS Zurich and each Underwriter against, any claims, damages or liabilities vis-à-vis third parties to which CS Zurich or such Underwriter may become subject, insofar as such claims, damages or liabilities arise out of the exercise of the Call Option, the exercise of the Put Option, the sale of Firm Shares or of Optional Shares or the Capital Reduction pursuant to this Section 10, other than by reason of gross negligence or wilful misconduct of CS Zurich or the Underwriters and/or their auxiliary persons under article 101 of the Swiss Code of Obligations.
In the Event of Non-Completion, no party shall be under any liability to another party except as provided for in the Sections, Expenses, Liability, Event of Non-Completion, and such termination shall not prejudice the Section Applicable Law and Jurisdiction.
If any of the events listed under (i) through (iii) above occurs prior to registration of the Capital Increase relating to the Optional Shares, then CS Zurich, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, may request the Board of Directors not to proceed with such Capital Increase and to return the nominal amount of the Optional Shares paid in to the Capital Increase Bank on behalf of the Underwriters. To this effect the Company undertakes to instruct the Capital Increase Bank to return the total nominal amount of the Optional Shares paid in to the Capital Increase Bank on behalf of the Underwriters by transferring the aggregate nominal amount of the Optional Shares to an account designated by CS Zurich.
11. Notices
All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and
a) if to CS Zurich shall be delivered or sent by mail, or facsimile transmission to:
Credit Suisse AG, Uetlibergstrasse 231, 8070 Zurich, Switzerland, Attention: ZUOD 1 (Fax: +41 44 332 5855), with a copy to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Eleven Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010, USA, Attention: LCD-IBD and Barclays Capital Inc., 745 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, USA, Attention: Syndicate Registration (Fax: +1 646 834 8133);
and
b) if to the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail or facsimile transmission to:
Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, 6300, Zug, Switzerland, Attention: Philippe A. Huber, with a copy to Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., 4 Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046, Attention: Heather G. Callender (Fax: +1 713 232 7511).
12. Announcements
Any announcement made by the Company, CS Zurich or the Underwriters relating to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement shall only be made upon mutual agreement on the contents, date of release and recipients of such statement, except as required by law, rule or regulation and in particular in the following circumstances:
a) any notification to the relevant governmental or regulatory authorities, including notification obligations under Federal Stock Exchange Act (SESTA) or applicable foreign regulations;
b) any announcement made by the Underwriters appearing as a matter of record only in which the Underwriters participation in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is described; or
c) any trade notification by CS Zurich or the Underwriters required by the SIX Swiss Exchange.
13. Miscellaneous
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an obligation, express or implied, of CS Zurich, the Underwriters or the Company to execute the Underwriting Agreement.
Nothing herein contained shall constitute a partnership among CS Zurich and any or all Underwriters and the obligations of CS Zurich and the Underwriters are several and not joint.
14. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with substantive Swiss law.
Any conflict arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commercial Court of the Canton of Zurich (Handelsgericht des Kantons Zürich), Switzerland.
Notwithstanding the above, CS Zurich and each Underwriter shall have the right to join the Company in any proceedings that are instituted against CS Zurich or the Underwriters or any of them, and that are related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in a court of any other jurisdiction, regardless of whether or not such court of any other jurisdiction has personal jurisdiction over CS Zurich or such Underwriter; any legal suit against the Company may also be brought against the Company in any jurisdiction in which such proceedings against CS Zurich or the Underwriters or one of the Underwriters had been instituted.
Annex B: Form of SIX Swiss Exchange Letter
[Letterhead of Transocean Ltd.]
[Please return the duly signed declaration to Credit Suisse AG for the attention of the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd.]
SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd
SIX Exchange Regulation
Listing & Enforcement - KTR
Selnaustrasse 30
8021 Zurich
Place, Date
Declaration to the attention of the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd, SIX Exchange Regulation, Listing and Enforcement
Dear Madam/Sir
Transocean Ltd., Zug (the Issuer), as applicant for the listing of up to · registered shares with a par value of CHF 15.00 each (the Shares) (Swiss Security Number 4 826 551 / ISIN CH 004 826551 3) in accordance with the Main Standard of the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd, hereby declares that it has mandated Credit Suisse AG, as representative recognised by the SIX Exchange Regulation, to execute the listing procedure in accordance with the provisions of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd (the Listing Rules). In this connection, the Issuer declares that
1. its Shares have sufficient free distribution;
2. its responsible bodies are in agreement with the listing;
3. the listing notice is complete pursuant to the Listing Rules;
4. it has read and acknowledges the Listing Rules, with their Additional Rules and the corresponding implementing provisions, as well as the Rules of Procedure and sanction regulations of SIX Swiss Exchange, and it recognises them expressly by signing the Declaration of Consent, it recognises the Board of Arbitration determined by SIX Swiss Exchange, and expressly agrees to be bound by the arbitration agreement; it recognises that continued listing is conditional upon it agreeing to be bound by the version of the legal foundations that is in force at any given time;
5. it will pay the listing charges.
Yours sincerely,
Annex II(a)
1. The Underwriting Agreement, assuming its due authorization, and further assuming its due execution and delivery by the Company insofar as such matters are governed by Swiss law, has been duly executed and delivered by the Company;
2. The issue and sale of the Firm Securities and the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement and the Subscription Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the transactions therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument that is included as an exhibit to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, nor will such actions result in any violation of any statute or any order, rule or regulation known to us of any U.S. federal, Texas or New York court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties, except for any such conflict, breach, violation or default which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect and could not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Companys ability to perform its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement or the Subscription Agreement (it being understood that for purposes of this opinion, we are not passing upon compliance with respect to antifraud or similar provisions of any law, rule or regulation or securities laws);
3. No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any U.S. federal, Texas or New York court or governmental agency or body which, to our knowledge, has jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties is required for the issue and sale of the Firm Securities or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement or the Subscription Agreement (assuming with respect to the Subscription Agreement, that any Securities sold are sold pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement), except such as have been obtained under the Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Firm Securities by the Underwriters;
4. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Firm Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus, will not be an investment company, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act; and
5. The description of the Underwriting Agreement and the lock-up agreements in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption Underwriting are accurate in all material respects; and the statements set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations, insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain federal income tax laws of the United States, constitute a fair summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Firm Securities.
Annex II(b)
1. To the best of my knowledge, none of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in default in the performance or observance of any material obligation, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its property or assets is subject, except for any such defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;
2. To the best of my knowledge, other than as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and, to the best of my knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by others;
3. The issue and sale of the Securities and the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement and the Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument known to me (after reasonable inquiry) to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, except for any such conflict, breach, violation or default which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, would not impair the Companys ability to perform its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement or the Subscription Agreement or would not have any material adverse effect upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby; and
4. The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (other than the financial statements and schedules, the notes thereto and the auditors reports thereon and the other financial and accounting data included or incorporated by reference therein, or omitted therefrom, as to which I have not been asked to comment), when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, appeared on their face to comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Annex II(c)
1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) under the laws of Switzerland with all requisite corporate power and authority (i) to conduct its business as described in the Articles, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, and (ii) to execute and perform its obligations under the Agreements.
2. Each of the Agreements has been duly authorized by the Company and has been duly executed on behalf of the Company. The Subscription Agreement is the Companys legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
3. In so far as Swiss law is concerned, the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Agreements (including the issuance and sale of the Firm Shares) does not, and will not, violate (i) the Articles and the Organizational Regulations, or (ii) applicable Swiss law.
4. In so far as Swiss law is concerned, it is not necessary, for purposes of the Offering, for the Agreements to be filed or recorded with any public authority, governmental agency or governmental department in Switzerland. In order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability and admissibility in evidence of the Agreements with respect to the Company in Switzerland, it is not necessary for them to be filed or recorded with any public authority, governmental agency or governmental department in Switzerland.
5. The distribution and publication of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Final Prospectus and the listing notice (Kotierungsinserat), and the filing of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Final Prospectus with SIX Swiss Exchange, have been duly authorized by, and on behalf of, the Company.
6. The Company has a share capital as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus (as specified under the caption Change in Authorized Share Capital and Withdrawal of Preemptive Rights); the Companys share capital registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, as evidenced in the Excerpt, amounts to CHF [5,418,529,470], divided into [361,235,298] registered shares (including the Firm Shares) with a par value of CHF 15 each. Such registered shares (including the Firm Shares) have been validly issued, fully paid and are non-assessable. If and when registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, issued in accordance with the Subscription Agreement and Swiss law, and recorded in the register of uncertificated securities (Wertrechtebuch) of the Company, the Optional Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
7. Except for the filing of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Final Prospectus with the Disclosure Office of the SIX Swiss Exchange, no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any Swiss court or Swiss
governmental agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Agreements (including the issuance and sale of the Firm Shares).
8. The listing of the Firm Shares according to the main standard of the SIX Swiss Exchange has been granted by SIX Swiss Exchange, such listing to become effective on November [30], 2011, provided that the conditions set out in the SIX Listing Approval will have been complied with.
9. The statements set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus under the captions Summary Description of Share Capital, Summary Change in the Authorized Share Capital, Risk Factors Risks Related to this Offering, and Anti-Takeover Provisions (as updated in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and Final Prospectus under the caption Summary Change in the Authorized Share Capital), insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of Swiss law, each constitute a fair summary in all material respects.
10. The Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus contain, or incorporate by reference, as to form, the information required pursuant to art. 652a of the Swiss Federal Code of Obligations (CO), it being understood that, in relation to the financial statements and schedules, and other financial data, contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, we have not been requested to issue an opinion as regards compliance with and completeness under art. 652a CO.
11. The choice of the law of the State of New York provided for as the governing law in the Underwriting Agreement is a valid choice of law under the laws of Switzerland and, in any action brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in Switzerland relating to the Underwriting Agreement, the law of the State of New York would be recognized and applied by such court to all issues for which the proper or governing law of a contract is applicable under the conflict of laws rules of Switzerland; provided, however, that (i) such choice of law may not extend to non-contractual obligations, (ii) the contents of the chosen law of the State of New York may need to be proven as a matter of fact, and (iii) a Swiss court would apply Swiss procedural rules.
12. The choice of Swiss law provided for as the governing law in the Subscription Agreement is a valid choice of law under the laws of Switzerland and, in any action brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in Switzerland relating to the Subscription Agreement, the law of Switzerland would be recognized and applied by such court to all issues for which the proper or governing law of a contract is applicable under the conflict of laws rules of Switzerland; provided, however, that such choice of law may not extend to non-contractual obligations.
13. The statements set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus under the caption Material Swiss Tax Consequences, insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain Swiss tax laws, regulations and regulatory practices referred to therein, constitute a fair summary of the principle Swiss tax consequences of an investment in the shares of the Company.
14. Except as otherwise described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, no stamp duty on the issuance of securities (Emissionsabgabe) and no stamp duty on the turnover of securities (Umsatzabgabe) will be payable to any governmental authority of Switzerland in connection with (i) the issuance of the Firm Shares, (ii) the sale and delivery by the Company of the Firm Shares to or for the respective accounts of the Underwriters and/or the Subscriber, or (iii) the sale and delivery by the Underwriters of the Firm Shares to the initial purchasers thereof, in each case at the purchase price per share listed in Schedule II of the Underwriting Agreement.
Exhibit 3.1
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Statuten
von Transocean Ltd. vom 29. November 2011 |
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Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. as of November 29, 2011 |
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Abschnitt 1: |
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Section 1: |
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Artikel 1 |
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Article 1 |
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Firma, Sitz |
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Unter der Firma
Transocean Ltd. (die Gesellschaft)
besteht eine Aktiengesellschaft mit Sitz in Steinhausen, Kanton Zug, Schweiz. |
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Name, Place of Incorporation |
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Under the name
Transocean Ltd. (the Company)
there exists a corporation with its place of incorporation in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug, Switzerland. |
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Zweck |
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Artikel 2 |
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Purpose |
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Article 2 |
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1 |
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Zweck der Gesellschaft ist der Erwerb, das Halten, die Verwaltung, die Verwertung und die Veräusserung von Beteiligungen an Unternehmen im In- und Ausland, ob direkt oder indirekt, insbesondere an Unternehmen, die im Bereich der Erbringung von Dienstleistungen für Offshore Öl-und Gasbohrungen, einschliesslich Management Dienstleistungen, Bohringenieurs- und Bohr-Projekt Management-Dienstleistungen für Öl-und Gasbohrungen, sowie von Öl- und Gas-Exploration und -Produktionsaktivitäten tätig sind, sowie die Finanzierung dieser Aktivitäten. Die Gesellschaft kann Grundstücke und gewerbliche Schutzrechte im In- und Ausland erwerben, halten, verwalten, belasten und verkaufen. |
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The purpose of the Company is to acquire, hold, manage, exploit and sell, whether directly or indirectly, participations in businesses in Switzerland and abroad, in particular in businesses that are involved in offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells, oil and gas drilling management services, drilling engineering services and drilling project management services and oil and gas exploration and production activities, and to provide financing for this purpose. The Company may acquire, hold, manage, mortgage and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad. |
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Die Gesellschaft kann alle Tätigkeiten ausüben und Massnahmen ergreifen, die geeignet erscheinen, den Zweck der Gesellschaft zu fördern, oder die mit diesem zusammenhängen. |
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The Company may engage in all types of transactions and may take all measures that appear appropriate to promote the purpose of the Company or that are related thereto. |
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Artikel 3 |
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Article 3 |
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Dauer |
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Die Dauer der Gesellschaft ist unbeschränkt. |
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Duration |
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The duration of the Company is unlimited. |
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Abschnitt 2: |
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Section 2: |
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Artikel 4 |
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Article 4 |
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Aktienkapital |
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Das Aktienkapital der Gesellschaft beträgt CHF 5418529470, eingeteilt in 361235298 voll liberierte Namenaktien. Jede Namenaktie hat einen Nennwert von CHF 15 (jede Namenaktie nachfolgend bezeichnet als Aktie bzw. die Aktien). |
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Share Capital |
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The share capital of the Company is CHF 5,418,529,470 and is divided into 361,235,298 fully paid registered shares. Each registered share has a par value of CHF 15 (each such registered share hereinafter a Share and collectively the Shares). |
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Artikel 5 |
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Article 5 |
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Genehmigtes Kapital |
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Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, das Aktienkapital jederzeit bis zum 13. Mai 2013 im Maximalbetrag von CHF 615705855 durch Ausgabe von höchstens 41047057 vollständig zu liberierenden Aktien mit einem Nennwert von je CHF 15 zu erhöhen. Eine Erhöhung (i) auf dem Weg einer Festübernahme durch eine Bank, ein Bankenkonsortium oder Dritte und eines anschliessenden Angebots an die bisherigen Aktionäre sowie (ii) in Teilbeträgen ist zulässig. |
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Authorized Share Capital |
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The Board of Directors is authorized to increase the share capital, at any time until May 13, 2013, by a maximum amount of CHF 615,705,855 by issuing a maximum of 41,047,057 fully paid up Shares with a par value of CHF 15 each. An increase of the share capital (i) by means of an offering underwritten by a financial institution, a syndicate of financial institutions or another third party or third parties, followed by an offer to the then-existing shareholders of the Company, and (ii) in partial amounts shall be permissible. |
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Der Verwaltungsrat legt den Zeitpunkt der Ausgabe, den Ausgabebetrag, die Art, wie die neuen Aktien zu liberieren sind, den Beginn der Dividendenberechtigung, die |
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The Board of Directors shall determine the time of the issuance, the issue price, the manner in which the new Shares have to be paid up, the date from which the |
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Bedingungen für die Ausübung der Bezugsrechte sowie die Zuteilung der Bezugsrechte, welche nicht ausgeübt wurden, fest. Nicht-ausgeübte Bezugsrechte kann der Verwaltungsrat verfallen lassen, oder er kann diese bzw. Aktien, für welche Bezugsrechte eingeräumt, aber nicht ausgeübt werden, zu Marktkonditionen platzieren oder anderweitig im Interesse der Gesellschaft verwenden. |
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Shares carry the right to dividends, the conditions for the exercise of the preemptive rights and the allotment of preemptive rights that have not been exercised. The Board of Directors may allow the preemptive rights that have not been exercised to expire, or it may place such rights or Shares, the preemptive rights of which have not been exercised, at market conditions or use them otherwise in the interest of the Company. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, die Bezugsrechte der Aktionäre zu entziehen oder zu beschränken und einzelnen Aktionären oder Dritten zuzuweisen:
(a) wenn der Ausgabebetrag der neuen Aktien unter Berücksichtigung des Marktpreises festgesetzt wird; oder
(b) für die Übernahme von Unternehmen, Unternehmensteilen oder Beteiligungen oder für die Finanzierung oder Refinanzierung solcher Transaktionen oder die Finanzierung von neuen Investitionsvorhaben der Gesellschaft; oder
(c) zum Zwecke der Erweiterung des Aktionärskreises in bestimmten Finanz- oder Investoren-Märkten, zur Beteiligung von strategischen Partnern, oder im Zusammenhang mit der Kotierung von neuen Aktien an inländischen oder ausländischen Börsen; oder
(d) für die Einräumung einer Mehrzuteilungsoption (Greenshoe) von bis zu 20% der zu platzierenden oder zu verkaufenden Aktien an die betreffenden Erstkäufer oder Festübernehmer im Rahmen einer Aktienplatzierung oder eines Aktienverkaufs; oder
(e) für die Beteiligung von Mitgliedern des |
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The Board of Directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the shareholders and to allot them to individual shareholders or third parties:
(a) if the issue price of the new Shares is determined by reference to the market price; or
(b) for the acquisition of an enterprise, part(s) of an enterprise or participations, or for the financing or refinancing of any of such transactions, or for the financing of new investment plans of the Company; or
(c) for purposes of broadening the shareholder constituency of the Company in certain financial or investor markets, for purposes of the participation of strategic partners, or in connection with the listing of new Shares on domestic or foreign stock exchanges; or
(d) for purposes of granting an over-allotment option (Greenshoe) of up to 20% of the total number of Shares in a placement or sale of Shares to the respective initial purchaser(s) or underwriter(s); or
(e) for the participation of members of the Board of Directors, members of the executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other |
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Verwaltungsrates, Mitglieder der Geschäftsleitung, Mitarbeitern, Beauftragten, Beratern oder anderen Personen, die für die Gesellschaft oder eine ihrer Tochtergesellschaften Leistungen erbringen; oder
(f) wenn ein Aktionär oder eine Gruppe von in gemeinsamer Absprache handelnden Aktionären mehr als 15% des im Handelsregister eingetragenen Aktienkapitals der Gesellschaft auf sich vereinigt hat, ohne den übrigen Aktionären ein vom Verwaltungsrat empfohlenes Übernahmeangebot zu unterbreiten; oder zur Abwehr eines unterbreiteten, angedrohten oder potentiellen Übernahmeangebotes, welches der Verwaltungsrat, nach Konsultation mit einem von ihm beigezogenen unabhängigen Finanzberater, den Aktionären nicht zur Annahme empfohlen hat, weil der Verwaltungsrat das Übernahmeangebot in finanzieller Hinsicht gegenüber den Aktionären nicht als fair beurteilt hat. |
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persons performing services for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or
(f) following a shareholder or a group of shareholders acting in concert having accumulated shareholdings in excess of 15% of the share capital registered in the commercial register without having submitted to the other shareholders a takeover offer recommended by the Board of Directors, or for the defense of an actual, threatened or potential takeover bid, in relation to which the Board of Directors, upon consultation with an independent financial adviser retained by it, has not recommended to the shareholders acceptance on the basis that the Board of Directors has not found the takeover bid to be financially fair to the shareholders. |
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Die neuen Aktien unterliegen den Eintragungsbeschränkungen in das Aktienbuch von Artikel 7 und 9 dieser Statuten. |
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The new Shares shall be subject to the limitations for registration in the share register pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of these Articles of Association. |
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Artikel 6 |
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Article 6 |
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Bedingtes Aktienkapital |
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Das Aktienkapital kann sich durch Ausgabe von höchstens 167617649 voll zu liberierenden Aktien im Nennwert von je CHF 15 um höchstens CHF 2514264735 erhöhen durch:
(a) die Ausübung von Wandel-, Tausch-, Options-, Bezugs- oder ähnlichen Rechten auf den Bezug von Aktien (nachfolgend die Rechte), welche Dritten oder Aktionären in Verbindung mit auf |
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Conditional Share Capital |
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The share capital may be increased in an amount not to exceed CHF 2,514,264,735 through the issuance of up to 167,617,649 fully paid-up Shares with a par value of CHF 15 per Share through:
(a) the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of Shares (hereinafter the Rights) granted to third parties or shareholders in connection with bonds, |
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nationalen oder internationalen Kapitalmärkten neu oder bereits begebenen Anleihensobligationen, Optionen, Warrants oder anderen Finanzmarktinstrumenten oder neuen oder bereits bestehenden vertraglichen Verpflichtungen der Gesellschaft, einer ihrer Gruppengesellschaften oder einer deren Rechtsvorgänger eingeräumt werden (nachfolgend zusammen die mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen); und/oder
(b) die Ausgabe von Aktien oder mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen an Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates, Mitglieder der Geschäftsleitung, Arbeitnehmer, Beauftragte, Berater oder anderen Personen, welche Dienstleistungen für die Gesellschaft oder ihre Tochtergesellschaften erbringen. |
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options, warrants or other securities newly or already issued in national or international capital markets or new or already existing contractual obligations by or of the Company, one of its group companies, or any of their respective predecessors (hereinafter collectively, the Rights-Bearing Obligations); and/or
(b) the issuance of Shares or Rights-Bearing Obligations granted to members of the Board of Directors, members of the executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons providing services to the Company or its subsidiaries. |
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Bei der Ausgabe von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen durch die Gesellschaft, eine ihrer Gruppengesellschaften oder eine deren Rechtsvorgänger ist das Bezugsrecht der Aktionäre ausgeschlossen. Zum Bezug der neuen Aktien, die bei Ausübung von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen ausgegeben werden, sind die jeweiligen Inhaber der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen berechtigt. Die Bedingungen der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen sind durch den Verwaltungsrat festzulegen. |
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The preemptive rights of the shareholders shall be excluded in connection with the issuance of any Rights-Bearing Obligations by the Company, one of its group companies, or any of their respective predecessors. The then-current owners of such Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be entitled to subscribe for the new Shares issued upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Rights-Bearing Obligations. The conditions of the Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be determined by the Board of Directors. |
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Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, die Vorwegzeichnungsrechte der Aktionäre im Zusammenhang mit der Ausgabe von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen durch die Gesellschaft oder eine ihrer Gruppengesellschaften zu beschränken oder |
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The Board of Directors shall be authorized to withdraw or limit the advance subscription rights of the shareholders in connection with the issuance by the Company or one of its group companies of Rights-Bearing Obligations if (1) the issuance is for purposes of financing or refinancing the |
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aufzuheben, falls (1) die Ausgabe zum Zwecke der Finanzierung oder Refinanzierung der Übernahme von Unternehmen, Unternehmensteilen, Beteiligungen oder Investitionen, oder (2) die Ausgabe auf nationalen oder internationalen Finanzmärkten oder im Rahmen einer Privatplatzierung erfolgt.
Wird das Vorwegzeichnungsrecht weder direkt noch indirekt durch den Verwaltungsrat gewährt, gilt Folgendes:
(a) Die mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen sind zu den jeweils marktüblichen Bedingungen auszugeben oder einzugehen; und
(b) der Umwandlungs-, Tausch- oder sonstige Ausübungspreis der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen ist unter Berücksichtigung des Marktpreises im Zeitpunkt der Ausgabe der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen festzusetzen; und
(c) die mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen sind höchstens während 30 Jahren ab dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der betreffenden Ausgabe oder des betreffenden Abschlusses wandel-, tausch- oder ausübbar. |
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acquisition of an enterprise, parts of an enterprise, participations or investments or (2) the issuance occurs in national or international capital markets or through a private placement.
If the advance subscription rights are neither granted directly nor indirectly by the Board of Directors, the following shall apply:
(a) The Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be issued or entered into at market conditions; and
(b) the conversion, exchange or exercise price of the Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be set with reference to the market conditions prevailing at the date on which the Rights-Bearing Obligations are issued; and
(c) the Rights-Bearing Obligations may be converted, exchanged or exercised during a maximum period of 30 years from the date of the relevant issuance or entry. |
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4 |
Bei der Ausgabe von Aktien oder mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen gemäss Artikel 6 Absatz 1(b) dieser Statuten sind das Bezugsrecht wie auch das Vorwegzeichnungsrecht der Aktionäre der Gesellschaft ausgeschlossen. Die Ausgabe von Aktien oder mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen an die in Artikel 6 Absatz 1(b) dieser Statuten genannten Personen erfolgt gemäss einem oder mehreren Beteiligungsplänen der Gesellschaft. Die Ausgabe von Aktien an die Artikel |
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4 |
The preemptive rights and advance subscription rights of the shareholders shall be excluded in connection with the issuance of any Shares or Rights-Bearing Obligations pursuant to Article 6 para 1(b) of these Articles of Association. Shares or Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be issued to any of the persons referred to in Article 6 para 1(b) of these Articles of Association in accordance with one or more benefit or incentive plans of the Company. Shares may be issued to any of the persons |
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6 Absatz 1(b) dieser Statuten genannten Personen kann zu einem Preis erfolgen, der unter dem Kurs der Börse liegt, an der die Aktien gehandelt werden, muss aber mindestens zum Nennwert erfolgen. |
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referred to in Article 6 para 1(b) of these Articles of Association at a price lower than the current market price quoted on the stock exchange on which the Shares are traded, but at least at par value. |
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5 |
Die neuen Aktien, welche über die Ausübung von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen erworben werden, unterliegen den Eintragungsbeschränkungen in das Aktienbuch gemäss Artikel 7 und 9 dieser Statuten. |
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5 |
The new Shares acquired through the exercise of Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be subject to the limitations for registration in the share register pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of these Articles of Association. |
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Artikel 7 |
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Article 7 |
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Aktienbuch, Rechtsausübung, Eintragungsbe-schränkungen, Nominees |
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1 |
Die Gesellschaft oder von ihr beauftragte Dritte führen ein Aktienbuch. Darin werden die Eigentümer und Nutzniesser der Aktien sowie Nominees mit Namen und Vornamen, Wohnort, Adresse und Staatsangehörigkeit (bei juristischen Personen mit Firma und Sitz) eingetragen. Die Gesellschaft oder der von ihr mit der Aktienbuchführung beauftragte Dritte ist berechtigt, bei Eintragung im Aktienbuch von der antragstellenden Person einen angemessenen Nachweis seiner Berechtigung an den Aktien zu verlangen. Ändert eine im Aktienbuch eingetragene Person ihre Adresse, so hat sie dies dem Aktienbuchführer mitzuteilen. Solange dies nicht geschehen ist, gelten alle brieflichen Mitteilungen der Gesellschaft an die im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Personen als rechtsgültig an die bisher im Aktienbuch eingetragene Adresse erfolgt. |
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Share Register, Exercise of Rights, Restrictions on Registration, Nominees |
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1 |
The Company shall maintain, itself or through a third party, a share register that lists the surname, first name, address and citizenship (in the case of legal entities, the company name and company seat) of the holders and usufructuaries of the Shares as well as the nominees. The Company or the third party maintaining the share register on behalf of the Company shall be entitled to request at the time of the entry into the share register from the Person requesting such entry appropriate evidence of that Persons title to the Shares. A person recorded in the share register shall notify the share registrar of any change in address. Until such notification shall have occurred, all written communication from the Company to persons of record shall be deemed to have validly been made if sent to the address recorded in the share register. |
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2 |
Ein Erwerber von Aktien wird auf Gesuch als Aktionär mit Stimmrecht im Aktienbuch eingetragen, vorausgesetzt, dass ein solcher Erwerber ausdrücklich erklärt, die Aktien im eigenen Namen und auf eigene Rechnung erworben zu haben. Der Verwaltungsrat kann Nominees, welche Aktien im eigenen Namen aber auf fremde Rechnung halten, als |
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2 |
An acquirer of Shares shall be recorded upon request in the share register as a shareholder with voting rights; provided, however, that any such acquirer expressly declares to have acquired the Shares in its own name and for its own account, save that the Board of Directors may record nominees who hold Shares in their own name, but |
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Aktionäre mit Stimmrecht im Aktienbuch der Gesellschaft eintragen. Die an den Aktien wirtschaftlich Berechtigten, welche die Aktien über einen Nominee halten, üben Aktionärsrechte mittelbar über den Nominee aus. |
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for the account of third parties, as shareholders of record with voting rights in the share register of the Company. Beneficial owners of Shares who hold Shares through a nominee exercise the shareholders rights through the intermediation of such nominee. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat kann nach Anhörung des eingetragenen Aktionärs dessen Eintragung im Aktienbuch als Aktionär mit Stimmrecht mit Rückwirkung auf das Datum der Eintragung streichen, wenn diese durch falsche oder irreführende Angaben zustande gekommen ist. Der Betroffene muss über die Streichung sofort informiert werden. |
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3 |
After hearing the registered shareholder concerned, the Board of Directors may cancel the registration of such shareholder as a shareholder with voting rights in the share register with retroactive effect as of the date of registration, if such registration was made based on false or misleading information. The relevant shareholder shall be informed promptly of the cancellation. |
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Artikel 8 |
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Article 8 |
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Form der Aktien |
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1 |
Die Gesellschaft gibt Aktien in Form von Einzelurkunden, Globalurkunden oder Wertrechten aus. Der Gesellschaft steht es im Rahmen der gesetzlichen Vorgaben frei, ihre in einer dieser Formen ausgegebenen Aktien jederzeit und ohne Zustimmung der Aktionäre in eine andere Form umzuwandeln. Die Gesellschaft trägt die Kosten, die bei einer solchen Umwandlung anfallen. |
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Form of Shares |
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1 |
The Company may issue Shares in the form of individual certificates, global certificates or uncertificated securities. Subject to applicable law, the Company may convert the Shares from one form into another form at any time and without the approval of the shareholders. The Company shall bear all cost associated with any such conversion. |
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2 |
Ein Aktionär hat keinen Anspruch auf Umwandlung von in bestimmter Form ausgegebenen Aktien in eine andere Form. Jeder Aktionär kann jedoch jederzeit die Ausstellung einer Bescheinigung über die von ihm gemäss Aktienbuch gehaltenen Namenaktien verlangen. |
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2 |
A shareholder has no right to request a conversion of the Shares from one form into another form. Each shareholder may, however, at any time request a written attestation of the number of Shares held by it as reflected in the share register. |
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3 |
Werden Bucheffekten im Auftrag der Gesellschaft oder des Aktionärs von einer Verwahrungsstelle, einem Registrar, Transfer Agenten, einer Trust Gesellschaft, Bank oder einer ähnlichen Gesellschaft verwaltet (die Verwahrungsstelle), so setzt Wirksamkeit gegenüber der |
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3 |
If intermediated securities are administered on behalf of the Company or a shareholder by an intermediary, registrar, transfer agent, trust company, bank or similar entity (the Intermediary), any transfer or grant of a security interest in such intermediated securities and the |
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Gesellschaft voraus, dass diese Bucheffekten und die damit verbundenen Rechte unter Mitwirkung der Verwahrungsstelle übertragen oder daran Sicherheiten bestellt werden. |
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appurtenant rights associated therewith, in order for such transfer or grant of a security interest to be valid against the Company, requires the cooperation of the Intermediary. |
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4 |
Für den Fall, dass die Gesellschaft beschliesst, Aktienzertifikate zu drucken und auszugeben, müssen die Aktienzertifikate die Unterschrift von zwei zeichnungsberechtigten Personen tragen. Mindestens eine dieser Personen muss ein Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates sein. Faksimile-Unterschriften sind erlaubt. |
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4 |
If the Company decides to print and deliver share certificates, the share certificates shall bear the signatures of two duly authorized signatories of the Company, at least one of which shall be a member of the Board of Directors. These signatures may be facsimile signatures. |
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Artikel 9 |
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Article 9 |
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Rechtsausübung |
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1 |
Die Gesellschaft anerkennt nur einen Vertreter pro Aktie. |
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Exercise of Rights |
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1 |
The Company shall only accept one representative per Share. |
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2 |
Stimmrechte und die damit verbundenen Rechte können der Gesellschaft gegenüber von einem Aktionär, Nutzniesser der Aktien oder Nominee jeweils nur im Umfang ausgeübt werden, wie dieser mit Stimmrecht im Aktienbuch eingetragen ist. |
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2 |
Voting rights and appurtenant rights associated therewith may be exercised in relation to the Company by a shareholder, usufructuary of Shares or nominee only to the extent that such person is recorded in the share register with the right to exercise his voting rights. |
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Abschnitt 3: |
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Section 3: |
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Artikel 10 |
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Article 10 |
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Zuständigkeit |
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Die Generalversammlung ist das oberste Organ der Gesellschaft. |
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Authority |
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The General Meeting of Shareholders is the supreme corporate body of the Company. |
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Artikel 11 |
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Article 11 |
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Ordentliche Generalver-sammlung |
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Die ordentliche Generalversammlung findet alljährlich innerhalb von sechs Monaten nach Schluss des Geschäftsjahres statt. Spätestens zwanzig Kalendertage vor der Versammlung sind der Geschäftsbericht und der Revisionsbericht den Aktionären am Gesellschaftssitz zur Einsicht aufzulegen. Jeder Aktionär kann verlangen, dass ihm unverzüglich eine Ausfertigung des Geschäftsberichts und des Revisionsberichts ohne Kostenfolge zugesandt wird. Die im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktionäre werden über die Verfügbarkeit des Geschäftsberichts und des Revisionsberichts durch schriftliche Mitteilung unterrichtet. |
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Annual General Meeting |
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The Annual General Meeting shall be held each year within six months after the close of the fiscal year of the Company. The Annual Report and the Auditors Report shall be made available for inspection by the shareholders at the registered office of the Company no later than twenty calendar days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Each shareholder is entitled to request prompt delivery of a copy of the Annual Report and the Auditors Report free of charge. Shareholders of record will be notified of the availability of the Annual Report and the Auditors Report in writing. |
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Artikel 12 |
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Article 12 |
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Ausser-ordentliche Generalversammlung |
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1 |
Ausserordentliche Generalversammlungen finden in den vom Gesetz vorgesehenen Fällen statt, insbesondere, wenn der Verwaltungsrat es für notwendig oder angezeigt erachtet oder die Revisionsstelle dies verlangt. |
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Extraordinary General Meetings |
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1 |
Extraordinary General Meetings shall be held in the circumstances provided by law, in particular when deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board of Directors or if so requested by the Auditor. |
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2 |
Ausserdem muss der Verwaltungsrat eine ausserordentliche Generalversammlung einberufen, wenn es eine Generalversammlung so beschliesst oder wenn ein oder mehrere Aktionäre, welche zusammen mindestens den zehnten Teil des im Handelsregister eingetragenen Aktienkapitals vertreten, dies verlangen, unter der Voraussetzung, dass folgende Angaben gemacht werden: (a)(1) die Verhandlungsgegenstände, schriftlich unterzeichnet von dem/den antragstellenden Aktionär(en), (2) die Anträge sowie (3) der Nachweis der erforderlichen Anzahl der im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktien; und (b) die weiteren Informationen, die von der Gesellschaft nach den Regeln der U.S. Securities and Exchange |
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2 |
An Extraordinary General Meeting shall further be convened by the Board of Directors upon resolution of a General Meeting of Shareholders or if so requested by one or more shareholders who, in the aggregate, represent at least one-tenth of the share capital recorded in the Commercial Register and who submit (a)(1) a request signed by such shareholder(s) that specifies the item(s) to be included on the agenda, (2) the respective proposals of the shareholders and (3) evidence of the required shareholdings recorded in the share register and (b) such other information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement pursuant to the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). |
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Commission (SEC) in einem sog. Proxy Statement aufgenommen und veröffentlicht werden müssen. |
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Artikel 13 |
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Article 13 |
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Einberufung |
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1 |
Die Generalversammlung wird durch den Verwaltungsrat, nötigenfalls die Revisionsstelle, spätestens 20 Kalendertage vor dem Tag der Generalversammlung einberufen. Die Einberufung erfolgt durch einmalige Bekanntmachung im Publikationsorgan der Gesellschaft gemäss Artikel 32 dieser Statuten. Für die Einhaltung der Einberufungsfrist ist der Tag der Veröffentlichung der Einberufung im Publikationsorgan massgeblich, wobei der Tag der Veröffentlichung nicht mitzuzählen ist. Die im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktionäre können zudem auf dem ordentlichen Postweg über die Generalversammlung informiert werden. |
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Notice of Shareholders Meetings |
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1 |
Notice of a General Meeting of Shareholders shall be given by the Board of Directors or, if necessary, by the Auditor, no later than twenty calendar days prior to the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be given by way of a one-time announcement in the official means of publication of the Company pursuant to Article 32 of these Articles of Association. The notice period shall be deemed to have been observed if notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders is published in such official means of publication, it being understood that the date of publication is not to be included for purposes of computing the notice period. Shareholders of record may in addition be informed of the General Meeting of Shareholders by ordinary mail. |
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2 |
Die Einberufung muss die Verhandlungsgegenstände sowie die Anträge des Verwaltungsrates und des oder der Aktionäre, welche die Durchführung einer Generalversammlung oder die Traktandierung eines Verhandlungsgegenstandes verlangt haben, und bei Wahlgeschäften die Namen des oder der zur Wahl vorgeschlagenen Kandidaten enthalten. |
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2 |
The notice of a General Meeting of Shareholders shall specify the items on the agenda and the proposals of the Board of Directors and the shareholder(s) who requested that a General Meeting of Shareholders be held or an item be included on the agenda, and, in the event of elections, the name(s) of the candidate(s) that has or have been put on the ballot for election. |
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Artikel 14 |
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Article 14 |
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Traktandierung |
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1 |
Jeder Aktionär kann die Traktandierung eines Verhandlungsgegenstandes verlangen. Das Traktandierungsbegehren muss mindestens 30 Kalendertage vor dem Jahrestag des sog. Proxy |
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Agenda |
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Any shareholder may request that an item be included on the agenda of a General Meeting of Shareholders. An inclusion of an item on the agenda must be requested in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to the anniversary |
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Statements der Gesellschaft, das im Zusammenhang mit der Generalversammlung im jeweiligen Vorjahr veröffentlicht und gemäss den anwendbaren SEC Regeln bei der SEC eingereicht wurde, schriftlich unter Angabe des Verhandlungsgegenstandes und der Anträge sowie unter Nachweis der erforderlichen Anzahl im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktien eingereicht werden. Falls das Datum der anstehenden Generalversammlung mehr als 30 Kalendertage vor oder nach dem Jahrestag der vorangegangenen Generalversammlung angesetzt worden ist, ist das Traktandierungsbegehren stattdessen spätestens 10 Kalendertage nach dem Tag einzureichen, an dem die Gesellschaft das Datum der Generalversammlung öffentlich bekannt gemacht hat. |
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date of the Companys proxy statement in connection with the previous years General Meeting of Shareholders, as filed with the SEC pursuant to the applicable rules of the SEC, and shall specify in writing the relevant agenda items and proposals, together with evidence of the required shareholdings recorded in the share register; provided, however, that if the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 calendar days before or after such anniversary date, such request must instead be made at least by the 10th calendar day following the date on which the Company has made public disclosure of the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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2 |
Zu nicht gehörig angekündigten Verhandlungsgegenständen können keine Beschlüsse gefasst werden. Hiervon ausgenommen sind jedoch der Beschluss über den in einer Generalversammlung gestellten Antrag auf (i) Einberufung einer ausserordentlichen Generalversammlung sowie (ii) Durchführung einer Sonderprüfung gemäss Artikel 697a des Schweizerischen Obligationenrechts (OR). |
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2 |
No resolution may be passed at a General Meeting of Shareholders concerning an agenda item in relation to which due notice was not given. Proposals made during a General Meeting of Shareholders to (i) convene an Extraordinary General Meeting or (ii) initiate a special investigation in accordance with article 697a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) are not subject to the due notice requirement set forth herein. |
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3 |
Zur Stellung von Anträgen im Rahmen der Verhandlungsgegenstände und zu Verhandlungen ohne Beschlussfassung bedarf es keiner vorgängigen Ankündigung. |
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3 |
No prior notice is required to bring motions related to items already on the agenda or for the discussion of matters on which no resolution is to be taken. |
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Artikel 15 |
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Article 15 |
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Vorsitz der Generalver-sammlung, Protokoll, Stimmenzähler |
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1 |
An der Generalversammlung führt der Präsident des Verwaltungsrates oder, bei dessen Verhinderung, der Vizepräsident oder eine andere vom Verwaltungsrat bezeichnete Person den Vorsitz. |
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Acting Chair, Minutes, Vote Counters |
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1 |
At the General Meeting of Shareholders the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his absence, the Vice-Chairman or any other person designated by the Board of Directors, shall take the chair. |
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2 |
Der Vorsitzende der Generalversammlung bestimmt den Protokollführer und die Stimmenzähler, die alle nicht Aktionäre sein müssen. Das Protokoll ist vom Vorsitzenden und vom Protokollführer zu unterzeichnen. |
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2 |
The acting chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall appoint the secretary and the vote counters, none of whom need be shareholders. The minutes of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be signed by the acting chair and the secretary. |
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3 |
Der Vorsitzende der Generalversammlung hat sämtliche Leitungsbefugnisse, die für die ordnungsgemässe Durchführung der Generalversammlung nötig und angemessen sind. |
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3 |
The acting chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall have all powers and authority necessary and appropriate to ensure the orderly conduct of the General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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Artikel 16 |
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Article 16 |
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Recht auf Teilnahme, Vertretung der Aktionäre |
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Jeder im Aktienbuch eingetragene Aktionär ist berechtigt, an der Generalversammlung und deren Beschlüssen teilzunehmen. Ein Aktionär kann sich an der Generalversammlung vertreten lassen, wobei der Vertreter nicht Aktionär sein muss. Der Verwaltungsrat regelt die Einzelheiten über die Vertretung und Teilnahme an der Generalversammlung in Verfahrensvorschriften. |
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Right to Participation and Representation |
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Each shareholder recorded in the share register is entitled to participate at the General Meeting of Shareholders and in any vote taken. The shareholders may be represented by proxies who need not be shareholders. The Board of Directors shall issue the particulars of the right to representation and participation at the General Meeting of Shareholders in procedural rules. |
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Artikel 17 |
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Article 17 |
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Stimmrecht |
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Jede Aktie berechtigt zu einer Stimme. Das Stimmrecht untersteht den Bedingungen von Artikel 7 und 9 dieser |
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Voting Rights |
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Each Share shall convey the right to one vote. The right to vote is subject to the conditions of Articles 7and 9 of |
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Statuten. |
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these Articles of Association. |
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Artikel 18 |
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Article 18 |
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Beschlüsse und Wahlen |
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1 |
Die Generalversammlung fasst Beschlüsse und entscheidet Wahlen, soweit das Gesetz oder diese Statuten es nicht anders bestimmen, mit der relativen Mehrheit der abgegebenen Aktienstimmen (wobei Enthaltungen, sog. Broker Nonvotes, leere oder ungültige Stimmen für die Bestimmung des Mehrs nicht berücksichtigt werden). |
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Resolutions and Elections |
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1 |
Unless otherwise required by law or these Articles of Association, the General Meeting of Shareholders shall take resolutions and decide elections upon a relative majority of the votes cast at the General Meeting of Shareholders (whereby abstentions, broker nonvotes, blank or invalid ballots shall be disregarded for purposes of establishing the majority). |
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2 |
Die Generalversammlung entscheidet über die Wahl von Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates nach dem proportionalen Wahlverfahren, wonach diejenige Person, welche die grösste Zahl der abgegebenen Aktienstimmen für einen Verwaltungsratssitz erhält, als für den betreffenden Verwaltungsratssitz gewählt gilt. Aktienstimmen gegen einen Kandidaten, Stimmenthaltungen, sog. Broker Nonvotes, ungültige oder leere Stimmen haben für die Zwecke dieses Artikels 18 Abs. 2 keine Auswirkungen auf die Wahl von Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates. |
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2 |
The General Meeting of Shareholders shall decide elections of members of the Board of Directors upon a plurality of the votes cast at the General Meeting of Shareholders. A plurality means that the individual who receives the largest number of votes for a board seat is elected to that board seat. Votes against any candidate, abstentions, broker nonvotes, blank or invalid ballots shall have no impact on the election of members of the Board of Directors under this Article 18 para. 2. |
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3 |
Für die Abwahl von amtierenden Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates gilt das Mehrheitserfordernis gemäss Artikel 20 Abs. 2(e) sowie das Präsenzquorum von Artikel 21 Abs. 1(a). |
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3 |
For the removal of a serving member of the Board of Directors, the voting requirement set forth in Article 20 para. 2(e) and the presence quorum set forth in Article 21 para. 1(a) shall apply. |
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4 |
Die Abstimmungen und Wahlen erfolgen offen, es sei denn, dass die Generalversammlung schriftliche Abstimmung respektive Wahl beschliesst oder der Vorsitzende dies anordnet. Der Vorsitzende kann Abstimmungen und Wahlen auch mittels elektronischem Verfahren durchführen lassen. Elektronische Abstimmungen und Wahlen sind schriftlichen Abstimmen |
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4 |
Resolutions and elections shall be decided by a show of hands, unless a written ballot is resolved by the General Meeting of Shareholders or is ordered by the acting chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The acting chair may also hold resolutions and elections by use of an electronic voting system. Electronic resolutions and elections shall be considered equal to resolutions and |
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und Wahlen gleichgestellt. |
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elections taken by way of a written ballot. |
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5 |
Der Vorsitzende kann eine offene Wahl oder Abstimmung immer durch eine schriftliche oder elektronische wiederholen lassen, sofern nach seiner Meinung Zweifel am Abstimmungsergebnis bestehen. In diesem Fall gilt die vorausgegangene offene Wahl oder Abstimmung als nicht geschehen. |
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5 |
The chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders may at any time order that an election or resolution decided by a show of hands be repeated by way of a written or electronic ballot if he considers the vote to be in doubt. The resolution or election previously held by a show of hands shall then be deemed to have not taken place. |
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Artikel 19 |
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Article 19 |
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Befugnisse der Generalver-sammlung |
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Der Generalversammlung sind folgende Geschäfte vorbehalten:
(a) Die Festsetzung und Änderung dieser Statuten;
(b) die Wahl der Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates und der Revisionsstelle;
(c) die Genehmigung des Jahresberichtes und der Konzernrechnung;
(d) die Genehmigung der Jahresrechnung sowie die Beschlussfassung über die Verwendung des Bilanzgewinnes, insbesondere die Festsetzung der Dividende;
(e) die Entlastung der Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates;
(f) die Genehmigung eines Zusammenschlusses mit einem Nahestehenden Aktionär (gemäss der Definition dieser Begriffe in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten); und
(g) die Beschlussfassung über die Gegenstände, die der Generalversammlung durch das Gesetz oder die Statuten vorbehalten sind oder ihr, vorbehältlich Artikel 716a OR, durch den Verwaltungsrat vorgelegt werden. |
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Powers of the General Meeting of Shareholders |
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The following powers shall be vested exclusively in the General Meeting of Shareholders:
(a) The adoption and amendment of these Articles of Association;
(b) the election of the members of the Board of Directors and the Auditor;
(c) the approval of the Annual Report and the Consolidated Financial Statements;
(d) the approval of the Annual Statutory Financial Statements of the Company and the resolution on the allocation of profit shown on the Annual Statutory Balance Sheet, in particular the determination of any dividend;
(e) the discharge from liability of the members of the Board of Directors;
(f) the approval of a Business Combination with an Interested Shareholder (as each such term is defined in Article 35 of these Articles of Association); and
(g) the adoption of resolutions on matters that are reserved to the General Meeting of Shareholders |
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by law, these Articles of Association or, subject to article 716a CO, that are submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders by the Board of Directors. |
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Artikel 20 |
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Article 20 |
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Besonderes Quorum |
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1 |
Ein Beschluss der Generalversammlung, der mindestens zwei Drittel der an der Generalversammlung vertretenen Stimmen und die absolute Mehrheit der an der Generalversammlung vertretenen Aktiennennwerte auf sich vereinigt, ist erforderlich für:
(a) Die Ergänzung oder Änderung des Gesellschaftszweckes gemäss Artikel 2 dieser Statuten;
(b) die Einführung und Abschaffung von Stimmrechtsaktien;
(c) die Beschränkung der Übertragbarkeit der Aktien und die Aufhebung einer solche Beschränkung;
(d) die Beschränkung der Ausübung des Stimmrechts und die Aufhebung einer solchen Beschränkung;
(e) eine genehmigte oder bedingte Kapitalerhöhung;
(f) die Kapitalerhöhung (i) aus Eigenkapital, (ii) gegen Sacheinlage oder zwecks Sachübernahme oder (iii) die Gewährung von besonderen Vorteilen;
(g) die Einschränkung oder Aufhebung des Bezugsrechts;
(h) die Verlegung des Sitzes der Gesellschaft;
(i) die Umwandlung von Namen- in Inhaberaktien und umgekehrt; und |
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Special Vote |
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1 |
The approval of at least two-thirds of the votes and the absolute majority of the par value of Shares, each as represented at a General Meeting of Shareholders, shall be required for resolutions with respect to:
(a) The amendment or modification of the purpose of the Company as described in Article 2 of these Articles of Association;
(b) the creation and the cancelation of shares with privileged voting rights;
(c) the restriction on the transferability of Shares and the cancelation of such restriction;
(d) the restriction on the exercise of the right to vote and the cancelation of such restriction;
(e) an authorized or conditional increase in share capital;
(f) an increase in share capital (i) through the conversion of capital surplus, (ii) through contribution in kind or for purposes of an acquisition of assets, or (iii) the granting of special privileges;
(g) the limitation on or withdrawal of preemptive rights;
(h) the relocation of the registered office of the Company; |
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(j) die Auflösung der Gesellschaft. |
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(i) the conversion of registered shares into bearer shares and vice versa; and
(j) the dissolution of the Company. |
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2 |
Ein Beschluss der Generalversammlung, der mindestens zwei Drittel aller stimmberechtigten Aktien auf sich vereinigt, ist erforderlich für: |
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2 |
The approval of at least two-thirds of the Shares entitled to vote shall be required for: |
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(a) Jede Änderung von Artikel 14 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten; |
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(a) Any change to Article 14 para. 1 of these Articles of Association; |
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(b) jede Änderung von Artikel 18 dieser Statuten; |
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(b) any change to Article 18 of these Articles of Association; |
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(c) jede Änderung dieses Artikels 20 Abs. 2; |
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(c) any change to this Article 20 para. 2; |
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(d) jede Änderung von Artikel 21, 22, 23 oder 24 dieser Statuten; und |
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(d) any change to Article 21, 22, 23 or 24 of these Articles of Association; and |
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(e) die Abwahl eines amtierenden Mitglieds des Verwaltungsrates. |
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(e) a resolution with respect to the removal of a serving member of the Board of Directors. |
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3 |
Zusätzlich zu etwaigen gesetzlich bestehenden Zustimmungserfordernissen ist ein Beschluss der Generalversammlung mit einer Mehrheit, die mindestens die Summe von: (i) zwei Drittel aller stimmberechtigten Aktien; zuzüglich (ii) einer Zahl von stimmberechtigten Aktien, die einem Drittel der von Nahestehenden Aktionären (wie in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten definiert) gehaltenen Aktienstimmen entspricht, auf sich vereinigt, erforderlich für (1) jeden Zusammenschluss der Gesellschaft mit einem Nahestehenden Aktionär innerhalb eines Zeitraumes von drei Jahren, seitdem diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, (2) jede Änderung von Artikel 19(f) dieser Statuten oder (3) jede Änderung von Artikel 20 Abs. 3 dieser Statuten |
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3 |
In addition to any approval that may be required under applicable law, the approval of a majority at least equal to the sum of: (i) two-thirds of the Shares entitled to vote; plus (ii) a number of Shares entitled to vote that is equal to one-third of the number of Shares held by Interested Shareholders (as defined in Article 35 of these Articles of Association), shall be required for the Company to (1) engage in any Business Combination with an Interested Shareholder for a period of three years following the time that such Person became an Interested Shareholder, (2) amend Article 19(f) of these Articles of Association or (3) amend this Article 20 para. 3 of these Articles of Association (including any of the definitions pertaining thereto as set |
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(einschliesslich der dazugehörigen Definitionen in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten). Das im vorangehenden Satz aufgestellte Zustimmungserfordernis ist jedoch nicht anwendbar falls: |
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forth in Article 35 of these Articles of Association); provided, however, that the approval requirement in the preceding sentence shall not apply if: |
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(a) der Verwaltungsrat, bevor diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, entweder den Zusammenschluss oder eine andere Transaktion genehmigte, als Folge derer diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde; |
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(a) Prior to such time that such Person became an Interested Shareholder, the Board of Directors approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which resulted in such Person becoming an Interested Shareholder; |
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(b) nach Vollzug der Transaktion, als Folge derer diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, der Nahestehende Aktionär mindestens 85% der unmittelbar vor Beginn der betreffenden Transaktion allgemein stimmberechtigten Aktien hält, wobei zur Bestimmung der Anzahl der allgemein stimmberechtigten Aktien (nicht jedoch zur Bestimmung der durch den Nahestehenden Aktionär gehaltenen Aktien) folgende Aktien nicht zu berücksichtigen sind: Aktien, (x) welche von Personen gehalten werden, die sowohl Verwaltungsrats- wie Geschäftsleitungsmitglieder sind, und (y) welche für Mitarbeiteraktienpläne reserviert sind, soweit die diesen Plänen unterworfenen Mitarbeiter nicht das Recht haben, unter Wahrung der Vertraulichkeit darüber zu entscheiden, ob Aktien, die dem betreffenden Mitarbeiteraktienplan unterstehen, in einem Übernahme- oder Austauschangebot angedient werden sollen oder nicht; |
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(b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in such Person becoming an Interested Shareholder, the Interested Shareholder Owned at least 85% of the Shares generally entitled to vote at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining such number of Shares then in issue (but not for purposes of determining the Shares Owned by the Interested Shareholder), those Shares Owned (x) by Persons who are both members of the Board of Directors and officers of the Company and (y) by employee share plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether Shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; |
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(c) eine Person unbeabsichtigterweise zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wird und (x) das |
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(c) a Person becomes an Interested Shareholder inadvertently and (x) as soon as practicable |
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Eigentum an einer genügenden Anzahl Aktien sobald als möglich veräussert, so dass sie nicht mehr länger als Nahestehender Aktionär qualifiziert und (y) zu keinem Zeitpunkt während der drei dem Zusammenschluss zwischen der Gesellschaft und dieser Person unmittelbar vorangehenden Jahren als Nahestehender Aktionär gegolten hätte, ausgenommen aufgrund des unbeabsichtigten Erwerbs der Eigentümerschaft. |
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divests itself of Ownership of sufficient Shares so that such Person ceases to be an Interested Shareholder and (y) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a Business Combination between the Company and such Person, have been an Interested Shareholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of Ownership; |
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(d) der Zusammenschluss vor Vollzug oder Verzicht auf und nach öffentlicher Bekanntgabe oder der nach diesem Abschnitt erforderlichen Mitteilung (was auch immer früher erfolgt) eine(r) beabsichtigten Transaktion vorgeschlagen wird, welche (i) eine der Transaktionen im Sinne des zweiten Satzes dieses Artikels 20 Abs. 3(d) darstellt; (ii) mit oder von einer Person abgeschlossen wird, die entweder während den letzten drei Jahren kein Nahestehender Aktionär war oder zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär mit der Genehmigung des Verwaltungsrates wurde; und (iii) von einer Mehrheit der dannzumal amtierenden Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates (aber mindestens einem) genehmigt oder nicht abgelehnt wird, die entweder bereits Verwaltungsratsmitglieder waren, bevor in den drei vorangehenden Jahren irgendeine Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, oder die auf Empfehlung einer Mehrheit solcher Verwaltungsratsmitglieder als deren Nachfolger zur Wahl vorgeschlagen wurden. Die im vorangehenden Satz erwähnten beabsichtigen |
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(d) the Business Combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required hereunder of a proposed transaction which (i) constitutes one of the transactions described in the second sentence of this Article 20 para. 3(d); (ii) is with or by a person who either was not an Interested Shareholder during the previous three years or who became an Interested Shareholder with the approval of the Board of Directors; and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office (but not less than one) who were Directors prior to any person becoming an Interested Shareholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election to succeed such Directors by a majority of such Directors. The proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are limited to (x) a merger or consolidation of the Company (except for a merger in respect of which no vote of the Companys shareholders is required); (y) a sale, |
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Transaktionen sind auf folgende beschränkt: (x) eine Fusion oder andere Form des Zusammenschlusses der Gesellschaft (mit Ausnahme einer Fusion, welche keine Genehmigung durch die Generalversammlung der Gesellschaft voraussetzt); (y) ein Verkauf, eine Vermietung oder Verpachtung, hypothekarische Belastung oder andere Verpfändung, Übertragung oder andere Verfügung (ob in einer oder mehreren Transaktionen), einschliesslich im Rahmen eines Tauschs, von Vermögenswerten der Gesellschaft oder einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird (jedoch nicht an eine direkt oder indirekt zu 100% gehaltene Konzerngesellschaft oder an die Gesellschaft), soweit diese Vermögenswerte einen Marktwert von 50% oder mehr entweder des auf konsolidierter Basis aggregierten Marktwertes aller Vermögenswerte der Gesellschaft oder des aggregierten Marktwertes aller dann ausgegebenen Aktien haben, unabhängig davon, ob eine dieser Transaktionen Teil einer Auflösung der Gesellschaft ist oder nicht; oder (z) ein vorgeschlagenes Übernahme- oder Umtauschangebot für 50% oder mehr der ausstehenden Stimmrechte der Gesellschaft. Die Gesellschaft muss Nahestehenden Aktionären sowie den übrigen Aktionären den Vollzug einer der unter (x) oder (y) des zweiten Satzes dieses Artikels 20 Abs. 3(d) erwähnten Transaktionen mindestens 20 Kalendertage vorher mitteilen. |
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lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Company or of any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company (other than to any direct or indirect wholly Owned subsidiary or to the Company) having an aggregate market value equal to 50% or more of either that aggregate market value of all of the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the issued shares; or (z) a proposed tender or exchange offer for 50% or more of the voting shares then in issue. The Company shall give not less than 20 days notice to all Interested Shareholders as well as to the other shareholders prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in clause (x) or (y) of the second sentence of this Article 20 para. 3(d). |
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Artikel 21 |
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Article 21 |
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Präsenzquorum |
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1 |
Die nachfolgend aufgeführten Angelegenheiten erfordern zum Zeitpunkt der Konstituierung der Generalversammlung ein Präsenzquorum von Aktionären oder deren Vertretern, welche mindestens zwei Drittel des im Handelsregister eingetragenen Aktienkapitals vertreten, damit die Generalversammlung beschlussfähig ist:
(a) Die Beschlussfassung über die Abwahl eines amtierenden Verwaltungsratsmitglieds; und
(b) die Beschlussfassung, diesen Artikel 21 oder Artikel 18, 19(f), 20, 22, 23 oder 24 dieser Statuten zu ergänzen, zu ändern, nicht anzuwenden oder ausser Kraft zu setzen. |
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Presence Quorum |
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The matters set forth below require that a quorum of shareholders of record holding in person or by proxy at least two-thirds of the share capital recorded in the Commercial Register are present at the time when the General Meeting of Shareholders proceeds to business:
(a) the adoption of a resolution to remove a serving Director; and
(b) the adoption of a resolution to amend, vary, suspend the operation of, disapply or cancel this Article 21 or Articles 18, 19(f), 20, 22, 23 or 24 of these Articles of Association. |
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2 |
Jede andere Beschlussfassung oder Wahl setzt zu ihrer Gültigkeit voraus, dass zum Zeitpunkt der Konstituierung der Generalversammlung zumindest die Mehrheit aller stimmberechtigten Aktien anwesend ist. Die Aktionäre können mit der Behandlung der Traktanden fortfahren, selbst wenn Aktionäre nach Bekanntgabe des Quorums durch den Vorsitzenden die Generalversammlung verlassen und damit weniger als das geforderte Präsenzquorum an der Generalversammlung verbleibt. |
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2 |
The adoption of any other resolution or election requires that at least a majority of all the Shares entitled to vote be represented at the time when the General Meeting of Shareholders proceeds to business. The shareholders present at a General Meeting of Shareholders may continue to transact business, despite the withdrawal of shareholders from such General Meeting of Shareholders following announcement of the presence quorum at that meeting. |
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B. Verwaltungsrat |
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B. Board of Directors |
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Artikel 22 |
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Article 22 |
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Anzahl der Verwaltungs-räte |
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Der Verwaltungsrat besteht aus mindestens zwei und höchstens 12 Mitgliedern. |
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Number of Directors |
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The Board of Directors shall consist of no less than two and no more than 12 members. |
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Artikel 23 |
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Article 23 |
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Amtsdauer |
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1 |
Die Verwaltungsräte werden vom Verwaltungsrat in drei Klassen aufgeteilt, welche als Klasse I, Klasse II und Klasse III bezeichnet werden. An jeder ordentlichen Generalversammlung soll jede Klasse Verwaltungsräte, deren Amtsdauer abläuft, für eine Amtsdauer von drei Jahren bzw. bis zur Wahl eines Nachfolgers in sein Amt gewählt werden. Der Verwaltungsrat legt die Reihenfolge der Wiederwahl fest, wobei die erste Amtszeit einer Klasse von Verwaltungsräten auch weniger als drei Jahre betragen kann. Für die Zwecke dieser Bestimmung ist unter einem Jahr der Zeitabschnitt zwischen zwei ordentlichen Generalversammlungen zu verstehen. |
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Term of Office |
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The Board of Directors shall divide its members into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. At each Annual General Meeting, each class of the members of the Board of Directors whose term shall then expire shall be elected to hold office for a three-year term or until the election of their respective successor in office. The Board of Directors shall establish the order of rotation, whereby the first term of office of members of a particular Class may be less than three years. For purposes of this provision, one year shall mean the period between two Annual General Meetings of Shareholders. |
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2 |
Wenn ein Verwaltungsratsmitglied vor Ablauf seiner Amtsdauer aus welchen Gründen auch immer ersetzt wird, endet die Amtsdauer des an seiner Stelle gewählten neuen Verwaltungsratsmitgliedes mit dem Ende der Amtsdauer seines Vorgängers. |
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2 |
If, before the expiration of his term of office, a Director should be replaced for whatever reason, the term of office of the newly elected member of the Board of Directors shall expire at the end of the term of office of his predecessor. |
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Artikel 24 |
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Article 24 |
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Organisation des Verwaltungs-rates, Entschädigung |
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Der Verwaltungsrat wählt aus seiner Mitte einen Vorsitzenden. Er kann einen oder mehrere Vizepräsidenten wählen. Er bestellt weiter einen Sekretär, welcher nicht Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates sein muss. Der Verwaltungsrat regelt unter Vorbehalt der Bestimmungen des Gesetzes und dieser Statuten die Einzelheiten seiner Organisation in einem Organisationsreglement. |
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Organization of the Board, Remuneration |
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The Board of Directors shall elect from among its members a Chairman. It may elect one or more Vice-Chairmen. It shall further appoint a Secretary, who need not be a member of the Board of Directors. Subject to applicable law and these Articles of Association, the Board of Directors shall establish the particulars of its organization in organizational regulations. |
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2 |
Die Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates haben Anspruch auf Ersatz ihrer im Interesse der Gesellschaft aufgewendeten Auslagen sowie auf eine ihrer Tätigkeit und Verantwortung entsprechende Entschädigung, die der Verwaltungsrat auf Antrag eines Ausschusses des Verwaltungsrates festlegt. |
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2 |
The members of the Board of Directors shall be entitled to reimbursement of all expenses incurred in the interest of the Company, as well as remuneration for their services that is appropriate in view of their functions and responsibilities. The amount of the remuneration shall be determined by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by a committee of the Board of Directors. |
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3 |
Soweit gesetzlich zulässig, hält die Gesellschaft aktuelle und ehemalige Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates und der Geschäftsleitung sowie deren Erben, Konkurs- oder Nachlassmassen aus Gesellschaftsmitteln für Schäden, Verluste und Kosten aus drohenden, hängigen oder abgeschlossenen Klagen, Verfahren oder Untersuchungen zivil-, straf- oder verwaltungsrechtlicher oder anderer Natur schadlos, welche ihnen oder ihren Erben, Konkurs- oder Nachlassmassen entstehen aufgrund von tatsächlichen oder behaupteten Handlungen, Zustimmungen oder Unterlassungen im Zusammenhang mit der Ausübung |
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3 |
The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the existing and former members of the Board of Directors and officers, and their heirs, executors and administrators, out of the assets of the Company from and against all threatened, pending or completed actions, suits or proceedings whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and all costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them, their heirs, executors or administrators, shall or may incur or sustain by or by reason of any act done or alleged to be done, concurred or alleged to be concurred |
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ihrer Pflichten oder behaupteten Pflichten oder aufgrund der Tatsache, dass sie Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates oder der Geschäftsleitung der Gesellschaft sind oder waren oder auf Aufforderung der Gesellschaft als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates, der Geschäftsleitung oder als Arbeitnehmer oder Agent eines anderen Unternehmens, einer anderen Gesellschaft, einer nicht-rechtsfähigen Personengesellschaft oder eines Trusts sind oder waren. Diese Pflicht zur Schadloshaltung besteht nicht, soweit in einem endgültigen, nicht weiterziehbaren Entscheid eines zuständigen Gerichts bzw. einer zuständigen Verwaltungsbehörde entschieden worden ist, dass eine der genannten Personen ihre Pflichten als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates oder der Geschäftsleitung absichtlich oder grobfahrlässig verletzt hat. |
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in or omitted or alleged to be omitted in or about the execution of their duty, or alleged duty, or by reason of the fact that he is or was a member of the Board of Director or officer of the Company, or while serving as a member of the Board of Director or officer of the Company is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise; provided, however, that this indemnity shall not extend to any matter in which any of said persons is found, in a final judgment or decree of a court or governmental or administrative authority of competent jurisdiction not subject to appeal, to have committed an intentional or grossly negligent breach of his statutory duties as a member of the Board of Director or officer. |
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4 |
Ohne den vorangehenden Absatz 3 dieses Artikels 24 einzuschränken, bevorschusst die Gesellschaft Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates und der Geschäftsleitung Gerichts- und Anwaltskosten. Die Gesellschaft kann solche Vorschüsse zurückfordern, wenn ein zuständiges Gericht oder eine zuständige Verwaltungsbehörde in einem endgültigen, nicht weiterziehbaren Urteil bzw. Entscheid zum Schluss kommt, dass eine der genannten Personen ihre Pflichten als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates oder der Geschäftsleitung absichtlich oder grobfahrlässig verletzt hat. |
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4 |
Without limiting the foregoing paragraph 3 of this Article 24, the Company shall advance court costs and attorneys fees to the existing and former members of the Board of Directors and officers. The Company may however recover such advanced costs if any of said persons is found, in a final judgment or decree of a court or governmental or administrative authority of competent jurisdiction not subject to appeal, to have committed an intentional or grossly negligent breach of his statutory duties as a Director of officer. |
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Artikel 25 |
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Article 25 |
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Befugnisse des Verwaltungs-rates |
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1 |
Der Verwaltungsrat hat die in Artikel 716a OR statuierten unübertragbaren und unentziehbaren Aufgaben, insbesondere:
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Specific |
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1 |
The Board of Directors has the non-delegable and inalienable duties as specified in Article 716a CO, in particular: |
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(a) die Oberleitung der Gesellschaft und die Erteilung der nötigen Weisungen;
(b) die Festlegung der Organisation; und
(c) die Oberaufsicht über die mit der Geschäftsführung betrauten Personen, namentlich im Hinblick auf die Befolgung der Gesetze, Statuten, Reglemente und Weisungen. |
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(a) the ultimate direction of the business of the Company and the issuance of the required directives;
(b) the determination of the organization of the Company; and
(c) the ultimate supervision of the persons entrusted with management duties, in particular with regard to compliance with law, these Articles of Association, regulations and directives. |
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2 |
Der Verwaltungsrat kann überdies in allen Angelegenheiten Beschluss fassen, die nicht nach Gesetz oder Statuten der Generalversammlung zugeteilt sind. |
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2 |
In addition, the Board of Directors may pass resolutions with respect to all matters that are not reserved to the General Meeting of Shareholders by law or under these Articles of Association. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat kann Beteiligungspläne der Gesellschaft der Generalversammlung zur Genehmigung vorlegen. |
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3 |
The Board of Directors may submit benefit or incentive plans of the Company to the General Meeting of Shareholders for approval. |
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Artikel 26 |
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Article 26 |
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Übertragung von Befugnissen |
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Der Verwaltungsrat kann unter Vorbehalt von Artikel 25 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten sowie der Vorschriften des OR die Geschäftsführung nach Massgabe eines Organisationsreglements ganz oder teilweise an eines oder mehrere seiner Mitglieder, an einen oder mehrere Ausschüsse des Verwaltungsrates oder an Dritte übertragen. |
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Delegation of Powers |
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Subject to Article 25 para. 1 of these Articles of Association and the applicable provisions of the CO, the Board of Directors may delegate the management of the Company in whole or in part to individual directors, one or more committees of the Board of Directors or to persons other than Directors pursuant to organizational regulations.
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Artikel 27 |
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Article 27 |
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Sitzungen des Verwaltungsrats |
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1 |
Sofern das vom Verwaltungsrat erlassene Organisationsreglement nichts anderes festlegt, ist zur gültigen Beschlussfassung über Geschäfte des Verwaltungsrates die Anwesenheit einer Mehrheit der |
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Meeting of the Board of Directors |
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1 |
Except as otherwise set forth in organizational regulations of the Board of Directors, the attendance quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board of Directors shall be a majority of the whole Board of |
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Mitglieder des gesamten Verwaltungsrates notwendig. Kein Präsenzquorum ist erforderlich für die Statutenanpassungs- und Feststellungsbeschlüsse des Verwaltungsrates im Zusammenhang mit Kapitalerhöhungen. |
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Directors. No attendance quorum shall be required for resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the confirmation of a capital increase or for the amendment of the Articles of Association in connection therewith. |
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2 |
Der Verwaltungsrat fasst seine Beschlüsse mit einer Mehrheit der von den anwesenden Verwaltungsräten abgegebenen Stimmen, vorausgesetzt, das Präsenzquorum von Absatz 1 dieses Artikels 27 ist erfüllt. Der Vorsitzende hat bei Stimmengleichheit keinen Stichentscheid. |
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2 |
The Board of Directors shall pass its resolutions with the majority of the votes cast by the Directors present at a meeting at which the attendance quorum of para. 1 of this Article 27 is satisfied. The Chairman shall have no casting vote. |
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Artikel 28 |
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Article 28 |
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Zeichnungs-berechtigung |
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Die rechtsverbindliche Vertretung der Gesellschaft durch Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates und durch Dritte wird in einem Organisationsreglement festgelegt. |
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Signature |
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The due and valid representation of the Company by members of the Board of Directors and other persons shall be set forth in organizational regulations. |
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C. Revisionsstelle |
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C. Auditor |
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Artikel 29 |
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Article 29 |
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Amtsdauer, Befugnisse und Pflichten |
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1 |
Die Revisionsstelle wird von der Generalversammlung gewählt und es obliegen ihr die vom Gesetz zugewiesenen Befugnisse und Pflichten. |
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Term, Powers and Duties |
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The Auditor shall be elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders and shall have the powers and duties vested in it by law. |
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2 |
Die Amtsdauer der Revisionsstelle beträgt ein Jahr, beginnend am Tage der Wahl an einer ordentlichen Generalversammlung und endend am Tage der nächsten ordentlichen Generalversammlung.
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2 |
The term of office of the Auditor shall be one year, commencing on the day of election at an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and terminating on the day of the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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Abschnitt 4: |
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Section 4: |
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Artikel 30 |
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Article 30 |
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Geschäftsjahr |
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Der Verwaltungsrat legt das Geschäftsjahr fest. |
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Fiscal Year |
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The Board of Directors determines the fiscal year. |
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Artikel 31 |
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Article 31 |
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Verteilung des Bilanzgewinns, Reserven |
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1 |
Über den Bilanzgewinn verfügt die Generalversammlung im Rahmen der anwendbaren gesetzlichen Vorschriften. Der Verwaltungsrat unterbreitet ihr seine Vorschläge. |
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Allocation of Profit Shown on the Annual Statutory Balance Sheet, |
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1 |
The profit shown on the Annual Statutory Balance Sheet shall be allocated by the General Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with applicable law. The Board of Directors shall submit its proposals to the General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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2 |
Neben der gesetzlichen Reserve können weitere Reserven geschaffen werden. |
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2 |
Further reserves may be taken in addition to the reserves required by law. |
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3 |
Dividenden, welche nicht innerhalb von fünf Jahren nach ihrem Auszahlungsdatum bezogen werden, fallen an die Gesellschaft und werden in die allgemeinen gesetzlichen Reserven verbucht. |
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3 |
Dividends that have not been collected within five years after their payment date shall enure to the Company and be allocated to the general statutory reserves. |
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Abschnitt 5: |
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Section 5: |
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Artikel 32 |
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Article 32 |
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Auflösung und Liquidation |
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1 |
Die Generalversammlung kann jederzeit die Auflösung und Liquidation der Gesellschaft nach Massgabe der gesetzlichen und statutarischen Vorschriften beschliessen. |
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Winding-up and Liquidation |
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The General Meeting of Shareholders may at any time resolve on the winding-up and liquidation of the Company pursuant to applicable law and the provisions set forth in these Articles of Association. |
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2 |
Die Liquidation wird durch den Verwaltungsrat durchgeführt, sofern sie nicht durch die |
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2 |
The liquidation shall be effected by the Board of Directors, unless the General Meeting of Shareholders shall appoint |
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Generalversammlung anderen Personen übertragen wird. |
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other persons as liquidators. |
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3 |
Die Liquidation der Gesellschaft erfolgt nach Massgabe der gesetzlichen Vorschriften. |
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3 |
The liquidation of the Company shall be effectuated pursuant to the statutory provisions. |
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4 |
Nach erfolgter Tilgung der Schulden wird das Vermögen unter die Aktionäre nach Massgabe der eingezahlten Beträge verteilt, soweit diese Statuten nichts anderes vorsehen. |
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4 |
Upon discharge of all liabilities, the assets of the Company shall be distributed to the shareholders pursuant to the amounts paid in, unless these Articles of Association provide otherwise. |
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Abschnitt 6: |
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Section 6: |
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Artikel 33 |
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Article 33 |
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Bekannt-machungen, Mitteilungen |
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Publikationsorgan der Gesellschaft ist das Schweizerische Handelsamtsblatt. |
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Announcements, Communications |
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1
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The official means of publication of the Company shall be the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. |
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2 |
Soweit keine individuelle Benachrichtigung durch das Gesetz, börsengesetzliche Bestimmungen oder diese Statuten verlangt wird, gelten sämtliche Mitteilungen an die Aktionäre als gültig erfolgt, wenn sie im Schweizerischen Handelsamtsblatt veröffentlicht worden sind. Schriftliche Bekanntmachungen der Gesellschaft an die Aktionäre werden auf dem ordentlichen Postweg an die letzte im Aktienbuch verzeichnete Adresse des Aktionärs oder des bevollmächtigten Empfängers geschickt. Finanzinstitute, welche Aktien für wirtschaftlich Berechtigte halten und als solches im Aktienbuch eingetragen sind, gelten als bevollmächtigte Empfänger. |
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2 |
To the extent that individual notification is not required by law, stock exchange regulations or these Articles of Association, all communications to the shareholders shall be deemed valid if published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. Written communications by the Company to its shareholders shall be sent by ordinary mail to the last address of the shareholder or authorized recipient recorded in the share register. Financial institutions holding Shares for beneficial owners and recorded in such capacity in the share register shall be deemed to be authorized recipients. |
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Abschnitt 7: |
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Section 7: |
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Artikel 34 |
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Article 34 |
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Verbindlicher Originaltext |
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Falls sich zwischen der deutschen und englischen Fassung dieser Statuten Differenzen ergeben, hat die deutsche Fassung Vorrang. |
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Original Language |
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In the event of deviations between the German and English version of these Articles of Association, the German text shall prevail. |
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Abschnitt 8: |
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Section 8: |
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Artikel 35 |
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Article 35 |
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Aktie(n) |
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Der Begriff Aktie(n) hat die in Artikel 4 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Share(s) |
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The term Share(s) has the meaning assigned to it in Article 4 of these Articles of Association. |
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Eigentümer |
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2 |
Eigentümer(in), unter Einschluss der Begriffe Eigentum, halten, gehalten, Eigentümerschaft oder ähnlicher Begriffe, bedeutet, wenn verwendet mit Bezug auf Aktien, jede Person, welche allein oder zusammen mit oder über Nahestehende Gesellschaften oder Nahestehende Personen: |
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Owner |
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Owner, including the terms Own, Owned and Ownership when used with respect to any Shares means a Person that individually or with or through any of its Affiliates or Associates: |
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(a) wirtschaftliche Eigentümerin dieser Aktien ist, ob direkt oder indirekt; |
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(a) beneficially Owns such Shares, directly or indirectly; |
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(b) (1) das Recht hat, aufgrund eines Vertrags, einer Absprache oder einer anderen Vereinbarung, oder aufgrund der Ausübung eines Wandel-, Tausch-, Bezugs- oder Optionsrechts oder anderweitig Aktien zu erwerben (unabhängig davon, ob dieses Recht sofort ausübbar ist oder nur nach einer gewissen |
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(b) has (1) the right to acquire such Shares (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, |
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Zeit); vorausgesetzt, dass eine Person nicht als Eigentümerin derjenigen Aktien gelten soll, die im Rahmen eines Übernahme- oder Umtauschangebots, das diese Person oder eine dieser Person Nahestehende Gesellschaft oder Nahestehende Person eingeleitet hat, angedient werden, bis diese Aktien zum Kauf oder Tausch akzeptiert werden; oder (2) das Recht hat, die Stimmrechte dieser Aktien aufgrund eines Vertrags, einer Absprache oder einer anderen Vereinbarung auszuüben; vorausgesetzt, dass eine Person nicht als Eigentümerin von Aktien gilt infolge des Rechts, das Stimmrecht auszuüben, soweit der diesbezügliche Vertrag, die diesbezügliche Absprache oder die diesbezügliche andere Vereinbarung nur aufgrund einer widerruflichen Vollmacht (proxy) oder Zustimmung zustande gekommen ist, und diese Vollmacht (proxy) oder Zustimmung in Erwiderung auf eine an 10 oder mehr Personen gemachte diesbezügliche Aufforderung ergangen ist; oder |
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however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Owner of Shares tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such Person or any of such Persons Affiliates or Associates until such tendered Shares are accepted for purchase or exchange; or (2) the right to vote such Shares pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Owner of any Shares because of such Persons right to vote such Shares if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such Shares arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more Persons; or |
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(c) zwecks Erwerbs, Haltens, Stimmrechtsausübung (mit Ausnahme der Stimmrechtsausübung aufgrund einer widerruflichen Vollmacht (proxy) oder Zustimmung wie in Artikel 35 Abs. 2(b)(ii)(2) umschrieben) oder Veräusserung dieser Aktien mit einer anderen Person in einen Vertrag, eine Absprache oder eine andere Vereinbarung getreten ist, die direkt oder indirekt entweder selbst oder über ihr Nahestehende Gesellschaften oder Nahestehende Personen wirtschaftlich Eigentümerin dieser Aktien ist. |
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(c) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in Article 35 para. 2(b)(ii)(2)), or disposing of such Shares with any other Person that beneficially Owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, such Shares. |
Gesellschaft |
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Der Begriff Gesellschaft hat die in Artikel 1 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Company |
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The term Company has the meaning assigned to it in Article 1 of these Articles of Association. |
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Kontrolle |
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Kontrolle, einschliesslich die Begriffe kontrollierend, kontrolliert von und unter gemeinsamer Kontrolle mit, bedeutet die Möglichkeit, direkt oder indirekt auf die Geschäftsführung und die Geschäftspolitik einer Person Einfluss zu nehmen, sei es aufgrund des Haltens von Stimmrechten, eines Vertrags oder auf andere Weise. Eine Person, welche 20% oder mehr der ausgegebenen oder ausstehenden Stimmrechte einer Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähigen Personengesellschaft oder eines anderen Rechtsträgers hält, hat mangels Nachweises des Gegenteils unter Anwendung des Beweismasses der überwiegenden Wahrscheinlichkeit der Beweismittel vermutungsweise Kontrolle über einen solchen Rechtsträger. Ungeachtet des Voranstehenden gilt diese Vermutung der Kontrolle nicht, wenn eine Person in Treu und Glauben und nicht zur Umgehung dieser Bestimmung Stimmrechte als Stellvertreter (agent), Bank, Börsenmakler (broker), Nominee, Depotbank (custodian) oder Treuhänder (trustee) für einen oder mehrere Eigentümer hält, die für sich allein oder zusammen als Gruppe keine Kontrolle über den betreffenden Rechtsträger haben. |
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Control |
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Control, including the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the Ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise. A Person who is the Owner of 20% or more of the issued or outstanding voting shares of any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such Person holds voting shares, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this provision, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more Owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity. |
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Nahestehender Aktionär |
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Nahestehender Aktionär bedeutet jede Person (unter Ausschluss der Gesellschaft oder jeder direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird), (i) die Eigentümerin von 15% oder mehr der ausgegebenen Aktien ist, oder (ii) die als Nahestehende Gesellschaft oder Nahestehende Person |
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Interested Shareholder |
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Interested Shareholder means any Person (other than the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company) (i) that is the Owner of 15% or more of the issued Shares of the Company or (ii) that is an Affiliate or Associate of the Company and was the Owner of 15% or more of the issued Shares at any time within the three-year period immediately prior |
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anzusehen ist und irgendwann in den drei unmittelbar vorangehenden Jahren vor dem Zeitpunkt, zu dem bestimmt werden muss, ob diese Person ein Nahestehender Aktionär ist, Eigentümerin von 15% oder mehr der ausgegebenen Stimmrechte gewesen ist, ebenso wie jede Nahestehende Gesellschaft und Nahestehende Person dieser Person; vorausgesetzt, dass eine Person nicht als Nahestehender Aktionär gilt, die aufgrund von Handlungen, die ausschliesslich der Gesellschaft zuzurechnen sind, Eigentümerin von Aktien in Überschreitung der 15%-Beschränkung ist; wobei jedoch jede solche Person dann als Nahestehender Aktionär gilt, falls sie später zusätzliche Aktien erwirbt, ausser dieser Erwerb erfolgt aufgrund von weiteren Gesellschaftshandlungen, die weder direkt noch indirekt von dieser Person beeinflusst werden. Zur Bestimmung, ob eine Person ein Nahestehender Aktionär ist, sind die als ausgegeben geltenden Aktien unter Einschluss der von dieser Person gehaltenen Aktien (unter Anwendung des Begriffs gehalten wie in Artikel 35 Abs. 2 dieser Statuten definiert) zu berechnen, jedoch unter Ausschluss von nichtausgegebenen Aktien, die aufgrund eines Vertrags, einer Absprache oder einer anderen Vereinbarung, oder aufgrund der Ausübung eines Wandel-, Bezugs- oder Optionsrechts oder anderweitig ausgegeben werden können; |
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to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such Person is an Interested Shareholder, and also the Affiliates and Associates of such Person; provided, however, that the term Interested Shareholder shall not include any Person whose Ownership of Shares in excess of the 15% limitation is the result of action taken solely by the Company; provided that such Person shall be an Interested Shareholder if thereafter such Person acquires additional Shares, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person. For the purpose of determining whether a Person is an Interested Shareholder, the Shares deemed to be in issue shall include Shares deemed to be Owned by the Person (through the application of the definition of Owner in Article 35 para. 2 of these Articles of Association) but shall not include any other unissued Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. |
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Nahestehende Gesellschaft |
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Nahestehende Gesellschaft bedeutet jede Person, die direkt oder indirekt über eine oder mehrere Mittelspersonen eine andere Person kontrolliert, von einer anderen Person kontrolliert wird, oder unter gemeineinsamer Kontrolle mit einer anderen Person steht. |
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Affiliate |
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Affiliate means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person. |
Nahestehende Person |
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7 |
Nahestehende Person bedeutet, wenn verwendet zur Bezeichnung einer Beziehung zu einer Person, (i) jede Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähige Personengesellschaft oder ein anderer Rechtsträger, von welcher diese Person Mitglied des Leitungs- oder Verwaltungsorgans, der Geschäftsleitung oder Gesellschafter ist oder von welcher diese Person, direkt oder indirekt, Eigentümerin von 20% oder mehr einer Kategorie von Aktien oder anderer Anteilsrechte ist, die ein Stimmrecht vermitteln, (ii) jedes Treuhandvermögen (Trust) oder jede andere Vermögenseinheit, an der diese Person wirtschaftlich einen Anteil von 20% oder mehr hält oder in Bezug auf welche diese Person als Verwalter (trustee) oder in ähnlich treuhändischer Funktion tätig ist, und (iii) jeder Verwandte, Ehe- oder Lebenspartner dieser Person, oder jede Verwandte des Ehe- oder Lebenspartners, jeweils soweit diese den gleichen Wohnsitz haben wie diese Person. |
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Associate |
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7 |
Associate, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such Person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the Owner of 20% or more of any class of voting shares, (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such Person. |
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OR |
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8 |
Der Begriff OR hat die in Artikel 14 Abs. 2 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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CO |
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8 |
The term CO has the meaning assigned to it in Article 14 para. 2 of these Articles of Association. |
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Person |
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9 |
Person bedeutet jede natürliche Person, Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähige Personengesellschaft oder jeder andere Rechtsträger; |
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Person |
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9 |
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity. |
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Rechte |
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10 |
Der Begriff Rechte hat die in Artikel 6 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Rights |
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10 |
The term Rights has the meaning assigned to it in Article 6 para. 1 of these Articles of Association. |
Mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen |
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11 |
Der Begriff mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen hat die in Artikel 6 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Rights-Bearing Obligations |
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11 |
The term Rights-Bearing Obligations has the meaning assigned to it in Article 6 para. 1 of these Articles of Association. |
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SEC |
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12 |
Der Begriff SEC hat die in Artikel 12 Abs. 2 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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SEC |
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12 |
The term SEC has the meaning assigned to it in Article 12 para. 2 of these Articles of Association. |
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Transfer Agent |
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13 |
Der Begriff Transfer Agent hat die in Artikel 8 Abs. 3 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Transfer Agent |
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13 |
The term Transfer Agent has the meaning assigned to it in Article 8 para. 3 of these Articles of Association. |
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Zusammenschluss |
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14 |
Zusammenschluss bedeutet, wenn im Rahmen dieser Statuten in Bezug auf die Gesellschaft oder einen Nahestehenden Aktionär der Gesellschaft verwendet: |
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Business Combination |
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14 |
Business Combination, when used in these Articles of Association in reference to the Company and any Interested Shareholder of the Company, means: |
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(a) Jede Fusion oder andere Form des Zusammenschlusses der Gesellschaft oder einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, mit (1) dem Nahestehenden Aktionär oder (2) einer anderen Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähigen Personengesellschaft oder einem anderen Rechtsträger, soweit diese Fusion oder andere Form des Zusammenschlusses durch den Nahestehenden Aktionär verursacht worden ist und als Folge dieser Fusion oder anderen Form des Zusammenschlusses Artikel 19(f) und Artikel 20 Abs. 3 dieser Statuten (sowie jede der dazu gehörigen Definition in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten) oder im Wesentlichen gleiche Bestimmungen wie Artikel 19(f), Artikel 20 Abs. 3 |
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(a) Any merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company with (1) the Interested Shareholder or (2) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the Interested Shareholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation Article 19(f) and Article 20 para. 3 of these Articles of Association (including the relevant definitions in Article 35 of these Articles of Association pertaining thereto) or a provision substantially the same as such Article 19(f) and Article 20 para. 3 (including the relevant definitions in Article 35) are not applicable to the surviving entity; |
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(und die dazugehörigen Definitionen in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten auf den überlebenden Rechtsträger) nicht anwendbar sind; |
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(b) jeder Verkauf, Vermietung oder Verpachtung, hypothekarische Belastung oder andere Verpfändung, Übertragung oder andere Verfügung (ob in einer oder mehreren Transaktionen), einschliesslich im Rahmen eines Tauschs, von Vermögenswerten der Gesellschaft oder einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, an einen Nahestehenden Aktionär (ausser soweit der Zuerwerb unter einer der genannten Transaktionen proportional als Aktionär erfolgt), soweit diese Vermögenswerte einen Marktwert von 10% oder mehr entweder des auf konsolidierter Basis aggregierten Marktwertes aller Vermögenswerte der Gesellschaft oder des aggregierten Marktwertes aller dann ausgegebenen Aktien haben, unabhängig davon, ob eine dieser Transaktionen Teil einer Auflösung der Gesellschaft ist oder nicht; |
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(b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a shareholder, to or with the Interested Shareholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Company or of any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the Shares then in issue; |
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(c) jede Transaktion, die dazu führt, dass die Gesellschaft oder eine direkte oder indirekte Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, Aktien oder Tochtergesellschafts-Aktien an den Nahestehenden Aktionär ausgibt oder überträgt, es sei denn (1) aufgrund der Ausübung, des Tauschs oder der Wandlung von Finanzmarktinstrumenten, die in Aktien oder Aktien einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, ausgeübt, getauscht |
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(c) any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Company or by any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company of any Shares or shares of such subsidiary to the Interested Shareholder, except (1) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into Shares or the shares of a direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which securities were in issue prior to the time that the |
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oder gewandelt werden können, vorausgesetzt, die betreffenden Finanzmarktinstrumente waren zum Zeitpunkt, in dem der Nahestehende Aktionär zu einem solchem wurde, bereits ausgegeben; (2) als Dividende oder Ausschüttung an alle Aktionäre, oder aufgrund der Ausübung, des Tauschs oder der Wandlung von Finanzmarktinstrumenten, die in Aktien oder Aktien einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, ausgeübt, getauscht oder gewandelt werden können, vorausgesetzt, diese Finanzinstrumente werden allen Aktionäre anteilsmässig ausgegeben, nachdem der Nahestehende Aktionär zu einem solchem wurde; (3) gemäss einem Umtauschangebot der Gesellschaft, Aktien von allen Aktionären zu den gleichen Bedingungen zu erwerben; oder (4) aufgrund der Ausgabe oder der Übertragung von Aktien durch die Gesellschaft; vorausgesetzt, dass in keinem der unter (2) bis (4) genannten Fällen der proportionale Anteil des Nahestehenden Aktionärs an den Aktien erhöht werden darf; |
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Interested Shareholder became such; (2) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into Shares or the shares of a direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which security is distributed, pro rata, to all shareholders subsequent to the time the Interested Shareholder became such; (3) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Company to purchase Shares made on the same terms to all holders of said Shares; or (4) any issuance or transfer of Shares by the Company; provided, however, that in no case under (2)(4) above shall there be an increase in the Interested Shareholders proportionate interest in the Shares; |
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(d) jede Transaktion, in welche die Gesellschaft oder eine direkte oder indirekte Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, involviert ist, und die direkt oder indirekt dazu führt, dass der proportionale Anteil der vom Nahestehenden Aktionär gehaltenen Aktien, in Aktien wandelbare Obligationen oder Tochtergesellschafts-Aktien erhöht wird, ausser eine solche Erhöhung ist nur unwesentlich und die Folge eines Spitzenausgleichs für Fraktionen oder |
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(d) any transaction involving the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate interest in the Shares, or securities convertible into the Shares, or in the shares of any such subsidiary which is Owned by the Interested Shareholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of |
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eines Rückkaufs oder einer Rücknahme von Aktien, soweit diese(r) weder direkt noch indirekt durch den Nahestehenden Aktionär verursacht wurde; oder |
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any Shares not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Shareholder; or |
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(e) jede direkte oder indirekte Gewährung von Darlehen, Vorschüssen, Garantien, Bürgschaften, oder garantieähnlicher Verpflichtungen, Pfändern oder anderen finanziellen Begünstigungen (mit Ausnahme einer solchen, die gemäss den Unterabschnitten (a) (d) dieses Artikels 35 Abs. 14 ausdrücklich erlaubt ist sowie einer solchen, die proportional an alle Aktionäre erfolgt) durch die oder über die Gesellschaft oder eine direkte oder indirekte Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, an den Nahestehenden Aktionär. |
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(e) any receipt by the Interested Shareholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (a)(d) of this Article 35 para. 14) provided by or through the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company. |
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Abschnitt 9: |
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Section 9: |
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Artikel 36 |
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Article 36 |
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Sacheinlage |
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Die Gesellschaft übernimmt bei der Kapitalerhöhung vom 19. Dezember 2008 von der Transocean Inc. in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (Transocean Inc.), gemäss Sacheinlagevertrag per 18. Dezember 2008 (Sacheinlagevertrag) 319228632 Aktien (ordinary shares) der Transocean Inc. Diese Aktien werden zu einem Übernahmewert von insgesamt CHF 16476107961.80 übernommen. Als Gegenleistung für diese Sacheinlage gibt die Gesellschaft einem Umtauschagenten, handelnd auf Rechnung der Aktionäre der Transocean Inc. im Zeitpunkt unmittelbar vor Vollzug des Sacheinlagevertrages und im Namen und auf Rechnung der Transocean Inc., insgesamt 335228632 |
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Contribution in Kind |
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In connection with the capital increase of December 19, 2008, and in accordance with the contribution in kind agreement as of December 18, 2008 (the Contribution in Kind Agreement), the Company acquires 319,228,632 ordinary shares of Transocean Inc., Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (Transocean Inc.). The shares of Transocean Inc. are acquired for a total value of CHF 16,476,107,961.80. As consideration for this contribution, the Company issues to an exchange agent, acting for the account of the holders of ordinary shares of Transocean Inc. outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the Contribution in Kind Agreement and in the name and the account of |
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voll einbezahlte Aktien mit einem Nennwert von insgesamt CHF 5028429480 aus. Die Gesellschaft weist die Differenz zwischen dem totalen Nennwert der ausgegebenen Aktien und dem Übernahmewert der Sacheinlage im Gesamtbetrag von CHF 11447678481.80 den Reserven der Gesellschaft zu. |
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Transocean Inc, a total of 335,228,632 fully paid Shares with a total par value of CHF 5,028,429,480. The difference between the aggregate par value of the issued Shares and the total value of CHF 11,447,678,481.80 is allocated to the reserves of the Company. |
Zug, 29. November 2011 |
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Zug, November 29, 2011 |
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Der Vorsitzende / the chairman: |
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Der Sekretär / the secretary: |
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Steven L. Newman |
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Lukas Honegger |
Exhibit 3.2
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Statuten von Transocean Ltd. vom 4. Dezember 2011 |
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Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. as of December 4, 2011 |
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Abschnitt 1: |
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Section 1: |
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Artikel 1 |
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Article 1 |
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Firma, Sitz |
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Unter der Firma
Transocean Ltd. (die Gesellschaft)
besteht eine Aktiengesellschaft mit Sitz in Steinhausen, Kanton Zug, Schweiz. |
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Name, Place of Incorporation |
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Under the name
Transocean Ltd. (the Company)
there exists a corporation with its place of incorporation in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug, Switzerland. |
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Zweck |
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Artikel 2 |
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Purpose |
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Article 2 |
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1 |
Zweck der Gesellschaft ist der Erwerb, das Halten, die Verwaltung, die Verwertung und die Veräusserung von Beteiligungen an Unternehmen im In- und Ausland, ob direkt oder indirekt, insbesondere an Unternehmen, die im Bereich der Erbringung von Dienstleistungen für Offshore Öl-und Gasbohrungen, einschliesslich Management Dienstleistungen, Bohringenieurs- und Bohr-Projekt Management-Dienstleistungen für Öl-und Gasbohrungen, sowie von Öl- und Gas-Exploration und -Produktionsaktivitäten tätig sind, sowie die Finanzierung dieser Aktivitäten. Die Gesellschaft kann Grundstücke und gewerbliche Schutzrechte im In- und Ausland erwerben, halten, verwalten, belasten und verkaufen. |
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1 |
The purpose of the Company is to acquire, hold, manage, exploit and sell, whether directly or indirectly, participations in businesses in Switzerland and abroad, in particular in businesses that are involved in offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells, oil and gas drilling management services, drilling engineering services and drilling project management services and oil and gas exploration and production activities, and to provide financing for this purpose. The Company may acquire, hold, manage, mortgage and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad. |
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2 |
Die Gesellschaft kann alle Tätigkeiten ausüben und Massnahmen ergreifen, die geeignet erscheinen, den Zweck der Gesellschaft zu fördern, oder die mit diesem zusammenhängen. |
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2 |
The Company may engage in all types of transactions and may take all measures that appear appropriate to promote the purpose of the Company or that are related thereto. |
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Artikel 3 |
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Article 3 |
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Dauer |
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Die Dauer der Gesellschaft ist unbeschränkt. |
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Duration |
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The duration of the Company is unlimited. |
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Abschnitt 2: |
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Section 2: |
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Artikel 4 |
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Article 4 |
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Aktienkapital |
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Das Aktienkapital der Gesellschaft beträgt CHF 5477029470, eingeteilt in 365135298 voll liberierte Namenaktien. Jede Namenaktie hat einen Nennwert von CHF 15 (jede Namenaktie nachfolgend bezeichnet als Aktie bzw. die Aktien). |
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Share Capital |
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The share capital of the Company is CHF 5,477,029,470 and is divided into 365,135,298 fully paid registered shares. Each registered share has a par value of CHF 15 (each such registered share hereinafter a Share and collectively the Shares). |
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Artikel 5 |
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Article 5 |
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Genehmigtes Kapital
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1 |
Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, das Aktienkapital jederzeit bis zum 13. Mai 2013 im Maximalbetrag von CHF 557205855 durch Ausgabe von höchstens 37147057 vollständig zu liberierenden Aktien mit einem Nennwert von je CHF 15 zu erhöhen. Eine Erhöhung (i) auf dem Weg einer Festübernahme durch eine Bank, ein Bankenkonsortium oder Dritte und eines anschliessenden Angebots an die bisherigen Aktionäre sowie (ii) in Teilbeträgen ist zulässig. |
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Authorized Share Capital |
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1 |
The Board of Directors is authorized to increase the share capital, at any time until May 13, 2013, by a maximum amount of CHF 557,205,855 by issuing a maximum of 37,147,057 fully paid up Shares with a par value of CHF 15 each. An increase of the share capital (i) by means of an offering underwritten by a financial institution, a syndicate of financial institutions or another third party or third parties, followed by an offer to the then-existing shareholders of the Company, and (ii) in partial amounts shall be permissible. |
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2 |
Der Verwaltungsrat legt den Zeitpunkt der Ausgabe, den Ausgabebetrag, die Art, wie die neuen Aktien zu liberieren sind, den Beginn der Dividendenberechtigung, die Bedingungen für die Ausübung der Bezugsrechte sowie die Zuteilung der Bezugsrechte, welche nicht ausgeübt wurden, fest. Nicht-ausgeübte Bezugsrechte kann der Verwaltungsrat verfallen lassen, oder er kann diese bzw. Aktien, für welche Bezugsrechte eingeräumt, aber nicht ausgeübt werden, zu Marktkonditionen platzieren oder anderweitig im Interesse der Gesellschaft verwenden. |
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2 |
The Board of Directors shall determine the time of the issuance, the issue price, the manner in which the new Shares have to be paid up, the date from which the Shares carry the right to dividends, the conditions for the exercise of the preemptive rights and the allotment of preemptive rights that have not been exercised. The Board of Directors may allow the preemptive rights that have not been exercised to expire, or it may place such rights or Shares, the preemptive rights of which have not been exercised, at market conditions or use them otherwise in the interest of the Company. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, die Bezugsrechte der Aktionäre zu entziehen oder zu beschränken und einzelnen Aktionären oder Dritten zuzuweisen:
(a) wenn der Ausgabebetrag der neuen Aktien unter Berücksichtigung des Marktpreises festgesetzt wird; oder
(b) für die Übernahme von Unternehmen, Unternehmensteilen oder Beteiligungen oder für die Finanzierung oder Refinanzierung solcher Transaktionen oder die Finanzierung von neuen Investitionsvorhaben der Gesellschaft; oder
(c) zum Zwecke der Erweiterung des Aktionärskreises in bestimmten Finanz- oder Investoren-Märkten, zur Beteiligung von strategischen Partnern, oder im Zusammenhang mit der Kotierung von neuen Aktien an inländischen oder ausländischen Börsen; oder
(d) für die Einräumung einer Mehrzuteilungsoption (Greenshoe) von bis zu 20% der zu platzierenden oder zu verkaufenden Aktien an die betreffenden Erstkäufer oder Festübernehmer im Rahmen einer Aktienplatzierung oder eines Aktienverkaufs; oder
(e) für die Beteiligung von Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates, Mitglieder der Geschäftsleitung, Mitarbeitern, Beauftragten, Beratern oder anderen Personen, die für die Gesellschaft oder eine ihrer Tochtergesellschaften Leistungen erbringen; oder
(f) wenn ein Aktionär oder eine Gruppe von in gemeinsamer Absprache handelnden Aktionären mehr als 15% des im Handelsregister eingetragenen Aktienkapitals der Gesellschaft auf sich vereinigt hat, ohne den übrigen Aktionären ein vom Verwaltungsrat empfohlenes Übernahmeangebot zu unterbreiten; oder zur |
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3 |
The Board of Directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the shareholders and to allot them to individual shareholders or third parties:
(a) if the issue price of the new Shares is determined by reference to the market price; or
(b) for the acquisition of an enterprise, part(s) of an enterprise or participations, or for the financing or refinancing of any of such transactions, or for the financing of new investment plans of the Company; or
(c) for purposes of broadening the shareholder constituency of the Company in certain financial or investor markets, for purposes of the participation of strategic partners, or in connection with the listing of new Shares on domestic or foreign stock exchanges; or
(d) for purposes of granting an over-allotment option (Greenshoe) of up to 20% of the total number of Shares in a placement or sale of Shares to the respective initial purchaser(s) or underwriter(s); or
(e) for the participation of members of the Board of Directors, members of the executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons performing services for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or
(f) following a shareholder or a group of shareholders acting in concert having accumulated shareholdings in excess of 15% of the share capital registered in the commercial register without having submitted to the other shareholders a takeover offer recommended by the Board of Directors, or for the defense of an actual, threatened or potential takeover bid, in relation to which the Board of Directors, upon consultation with an independent |
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Abwehr eines unterbreiteten, angedrohten oder potentiellen Übernahmeangebotes, welches der Verwaltungsrat, nach Konsultation mit einem von ihm beigezogenen unabhängigen Finanzberater, den Aktionären nicht zur Annahme empfohlen hat, weil der Verwaltungsrat das Übernahmeangebot in finanzieller Hinsicht gegenüber den Aktionären nicht als fair beurteilt hat. |
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financial adviser retained by it, has not recommended to the shareholders acceptance on the basis that the Board of Directors has not found the takeover bid to be financially fair to the shareholders. |
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4 |
Die neuen Aktien unterliegen den Eintragungsbeschränkungen in das Aktienbuch von Artikel 7 und 9 dieser Statuten. |
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4 |
The new Shares shall be subject to the limitations for registration in the share register pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of these Articles of Association. |
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Artikel 6 |
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Article 6 |
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Bedingtes Aktienkapital |
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1 |
Das Aktienkapital kann sich durch Ausgabe von höchstens 167617649 voll zu liberierenden Aktien im Nennwert von je CHF 15 um höchstens CHF 2514264735 erhöhen durch:
(a) die Ausübung von Wandel-, Tausch-, Options-, Bezugs- oder ähnlichen Rechten auf den Bezug von Aktien (nachfolgend die Rechte), welche Dritten oder Aktionären in Verbindung mit auf nationalen oder internationalen Kapitalmärkten neu oder bereits begebenen Anleihensobligationen, Optionen, Warrants oder anderen Finanzmarktinstrumenten oder neuen oder bereits bestehenden vertraglichen Verpflichtungen der Gesellschaft, einer ihrer Gruppengesellschaften oder einer deren Rechtsvorgänger eingeräumt werden (nachfolgend zusammen die mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen); und/oder
(b) die Ausgabe von Aktien oder mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen an Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates, Mitglieder der Geschäftsleitung, Arbeitnehmer, Beauftragte, Berater oder anderen Personen, welche Dienstleistungen für die |
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Conditional Share Capital |
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1 |
The share capital may be increased in an amount not to exceed CHF 2,514,264,735 through the issuance of up to 167,617,649 fully paid-up Shares with a par value of CHF 15 per Share through:
(a) the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of Shares (hereinafter the Rights) granted to third parties or shareholders in connection with bonds, options, warrants or other securities newly or already issued in national or international capital markets or new or already existing contractual obligations by or of the Company, one of its group companies, or any of their respective predecessors (hereinafter collectively, the Rights-Bearing Obligations); and/or
(b) the issuance of Shares or Rights-Bearing Obligations granted to members of the Board of Directors, members of the executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons providing services to the Company or its subsidiaries. |
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Gesellschaft oder ihre Tochtergesellschaften erbringen. |
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2 |
Bei der Ausgabe von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen durch die Gesellschaft, eine ihrer Gruppengesellschaften oder eine deren Rechtsvorgänger ist das Bezugsrecht der Aktionäre ausgeschlossen. Zum Bezug der neuen Aktien, die bei Ausübung von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen ausgegeben werden, sind die jeweiligen Inhaber der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen berechtigt. Die Bedingungen der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen sind durch den Verwaltungsrat festzulegen. |
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2 |
The preemptive rights of the shareholders shall be excluded in connection with the issuance of any Rights-Bearing Obligations by the Company, one of its group companies, or any of their respective predecessors. The then-current owners of such Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be entitled to subscribe for the new Shares issued upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Rights-Bearing Obligations. The conditions of the Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be determined by the Board of Directors. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, die Vorwegzeichnungsrechte der Aktionäre im Zusammenhang mit der Ausgabe von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen durch die Gesellschaft oder eine ihrer Gruppengesellschaften zu beschränken oder aufzuheben, falls (1) die Ausgabe zum Zwecke der Finanzierung oder Refinanzierung der Übernahme von Unternehmen, Unternehmensteilen, Beteiligungen oder Investitionen, oder (2) die Ausgabe auf nationalen oder internationalen Finanzmärkten oder im Rahmen einer Privatplatzierung erfolgt.
Wird das Vorwegzeichnungsrecht weder direkt noch indirekt durch den Verwaltungsrat gewährt, gilt Folgendes:
(a) Die mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen sind zu den jeweils marktüblichen Bedingungen auszugeben oder einzugehen; und
(b) der Umwandlungs-, Tausch- oder sonstige Ausübungspreis der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen ist unter Berücksichtigung des Marktpreises im Zeitpunkt der Ausgabe der mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen festzusetzen; und |
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3 |
The Board of Directors shall be authorized to withdraw or limit the advance subscription rights of the shareholders in connection with the issuance by the Company or one of its group companies of Rights-Bearing Obligations if (1) the issuance is for purposes of financing or refinancing the acquisition of an enterprise, parts of an enterprise, participations or investments or (2) the issuance occurs in national or international capital markets or through a private placement.
If the advance subscription rights are neither granted directly nor indirectly by the Board of Directors, the following shall apply:
(a) The Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be issued or entered into at market conditions; and
(b) the conversion, exchange or exercise price of the Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be set with reference to the market conditions prevailing at the date on which the Rights-Bearing Obligations are issued; and
(c) the Rights-Bearing Obligations may be converted, exchanged or exercised during a maximum period of 30 years from the date of the relevant issuance |
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(c) die mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen sind höchstens während 30 Jahren ab dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der betreffenden Ausgabe oder des betreffenden Abschlusses wandel-, tausch- oder ausübbar. |
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or entry. |
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4 |
Bei der Ausgabe von Aktien oder mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen gemäss Artikel 6 Absatz 1(b) dieser Statuten sind das Bezugsrecht wie auch das Vorwegzeichnungsrecht der Aktionäre der Gesellschaft ausgeschlossen. Die Ausgabe von Aktien oder mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen an die in Artikel 6 Absatz 1(b) dieser Statuten genannten Personen erfolgt gemäss einem oder mehreren Beteiligungsplänen der Gesellschaft. Die Ausgabe von Aktien an die Artikel 6 Absatz 1(b) dieser Statuten genannten Personen kann zu einem Preis erfolgen, der unter dem Kurs der Börse liegt, an der die Aktien gehandelt werden, muss aber mindestens zum Nennwert erfolgen. |
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4 |
The preemptive rights and advance subscription rights of the shareholders shall be excluded in connection with the issuance of any Shares or Rights-Bearing Obligations pursuant to Article 6 para 1(b) of these Articles of Association. Shares or Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be issued to any of the persons referred to in Article 6 para 1(b) of these Articles of Association in accordance with one or more benefit or incentive plans of the Company. Shares may be issued to any of the persons referred to in Article 6 para 1(b) of these Articles of Association at a price lower than the current market price quoted on the stock exchange on which the Shares are traded, but at least at par value. |
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5 |
Die neuen Aktien, welche über die Ausübung von mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen erworben werden, unterliegen den Eintragungsbeschränkungen in das Aktienbuch gemäss Artikel 7 und 9 dieser Statuten. |
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5 |
The new Shares acquired through the exercise of Rights-Bearing Obligations shall be subject to the limitations for registration in the share register pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of these Articles of Association. |
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Artikel 7 |
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Article 7 |
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Aktienbuch, Rechtsausübung, Eintragungsbe-schränkungen, Nominees |
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1 |
Die Gesellschaft oder von ihr beauftragte Dritte führen ein Aktienbuch. Darin werden die Eigentümer und Nutzniesser der Aktien sowie Nominees mit Namen und Vornamen, Wohnort, Adresse und Staatsangehörigkeit (bei juristischen Personen mit Firma und Sitz) eingetragen. Die Gesellschaft oder der von ihr mit der Aktienbuchführung beauftragte Dritte ist berechtigt, bei Eintragung im Aktienbuch von der antragstellenden Person einen angemessenen Nachweis seiner Berechtigung an den Aktien zu verlangen. Ändert eine im Aktienbuch eingetragene Person ihre Adresse, so hat sie dies dem |
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Share Register, Exercise of Rights, Restrictions on Registration, Nominees |
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1 |
The Company shall maintain, itself or through a third party, a share register that lists the surname, first name, address and citizenship (in the case of legal entities, the company name and company seat) of the holders and usufructuaries of the Shares as well as the nominees. The Company or the third party maintaining the share register on behalf of the Company shall be entitled to request at the time of the entry into the share register from the Person requesting such entry appropriate evidence of that Persons title to the Shares. A person recorded in the share register shall notify the share registrar of any |
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Aktienbuchführer mitzuteilen. Solange dies nicht geschehen ist, gelten alle brieflichen Mitteilungen der Gesellschaft an die im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Personen als rechtsgültig an die bisher im Aktienbuch eingetragene Adresse erfolgt. |
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change in address. Until such notification shall have occurred, all written communication from the Company to persons of record shall be deemed to have validly been made if sent to the address recorded in the share register. |
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2 |
Ein Erwerber von Aktien wird auf Gesuch als Aktionär mit Stimmrecht im Aktienbuch eingetragen, vorausgesetzt, dass ein solcher Erwerber ausdrücklich erklärt, die Aktien im eigenen Namen und auf eigene Rechnung erworben zu haben. Der Verwaltungsrat kann Nominees, welche Aktien im eigenen Namen aber auf fremde Rechnung halten, als Aktionäre mit Stimmrecht im Aktienbuch der Gesellschaft eintragen. Die an den Aktien wirtschaftlich Berechtigten, welche die Aktien über einen Nominee halten, üben Aktionärsrechte mittelbar über den Nominee aus. |
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2 |
An acquirer of Shares shall be recorded upon request in the share register as a shareholder with voting rights; provided, however, that any such acquirer expressly declares to have acquired the Shares in its own name and for its own account, save that the Board of Directors may record nominees who hold Shares in their own name, but for the account of third parties, as shareholders of record with voting rights in the share register of the Company. Beneficial owners of Shares who hold Shares through a nominee exercise the shareholders rights through the intermediation of such nominee. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat kann nach Anhörung des eingetragenen Aktionärs dessen Eintragung im Aktienbuch als Aktionär mit Stimmrecht mit Rückwirkung auf das Datum der Eintragung streichen, wenn diese durch falsche oder irreführende Angaben zustande gekommen ist. Der Betroffene muss über die Streichung sofort informiert werden. |
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3 |
After hearing the registered shareholder concerned, the Board of Directors may cancel the registration of such shareholder as a shareholder with voting rights in the share register with retroactive effect as of the date of registration, if such registration was made based on false or misleading information. The relevant shareholder shall be informed promptly of the cancellation. |
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Artikel 8 |
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Article 8 |
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Form der Aktien |
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1 |
Die Gesellschaft gibt Aktien in Form von Einzelurkunden, Globalurkunden oder Wertrechten aus. Der Gesellschaft steht es im Rahmen der gesetzlichen Vorgaben frei, ihre in einer dieser Formen ausgegebenen Aktien jederzeit und ohne Zustimmung der Aktionäre in eine andere Form umzuwandeln. Die Gesellschaft trägt die Kosten, die bei einer solchen Umwandlung anfallen. |
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Form of Shares |
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The Company may issue Shares in the form of individual certificates, global certificates or uncertificated securities. Subject to applicable law, the Company may convert the Shares from one form into another form at any time and without the approval of the shareholders. The Company shall bear all cost associated with any such conversion. |
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2 |
Ein Aktionär hat keinen Anspruch auf Umwandlung von in bestimmter Form ausgegebenen Aktien in eine andere Form. Jeder Aktionär kann jedoch jederzeit die Ausstellung |
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2 |
A shareholder has no right to request a conversion of the Shares from one form into another form. Each shareholder may, however, at any time request a written attestation of |
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einer Bescheinigung über die von ihm gemäss Aktienbuch gehaltenen Namenaktien verlangen. |
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the number of Shares held by it as reflected in the share register. |
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3 |
Werden Bucheffekten im Auftrag der Gesellschaft oder des Aktionärs von einer Verwahrungsstelle, einem Registrar, Transfer Agenten, einer Trust Gesellschaft, Bank oder einer ähnlichen Gesellschaft verwaltet (die Verwahrungsstelle), so setzt Wirksamkeit gegenüber der Gesellschaft voraus, dass diese Bucheffekten und die damit verbundenen Rechte unter Mitwirkung der Verwahrungsstelle übertragen oder daran Sicherheiten bestellt werden. |
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3 |
If intermediated securities are administered on behalf of the Company or a shareholder by an intermediary, registrar, transfer agent, trust company, bank or similar entity (the Intermediary), any transfer or grant of a security interest in such intermediated securities and the appurtenant rights associated therewith, in order for such transfer or grant of a security interest to be valid against the Company, requires the cooperation of the Intermediary. |
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4 |
Für den Fall, dass die Gesellschaft beschliesst, Aktienzertifikate zu drucken und auszugeben, müssen die Aktienzertifikate die Unterschrift von zwei zeichnungsberechtigten Personen tragen. Mindestens eine dieser Personen muss ein Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates sein. Faksimile-Unterschriften sind erlaubt. |
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4 |
If the Company decides to print and deliver share certificates, the share certificates shall bear the signatures of two duly authorized signatories of the Company, at least one of which shall be a member of the Board of Directors. These signatures may be facsimile signatures. |
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Artikel 9 |
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Article 9 |
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Rechtsausübung |
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1 |
Die Gesellschaft anerkennt nur einen Vertreter pro Aktie. |
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Exercise of Rights |
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1 |
The Company shall only accept one representative per Share. |
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2 |
Stimmrechte und die damit verbundenen Rechte können der Gesellschaft gegenüber von einem Aktionär, Nutzniesser der Aktien oder Nominee jeweils nur im Umfang ausgeübt werden, wie dieser mit Stimmrecht im Aktienbuch eingetragen ist. |
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2 |
Voting rights and appurtenant rights associated therewith may be exercised in relation to the Company by a shareholder, usufructuary of Shares or nominee only to the extent that such person is recorded in the share register with the right to exercise his voting rights. |
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Abschnitt 3: |
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Section 3: |
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Artikel 10 |
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Article 10 |
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Zuständigkeit |
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Die Generalversammlung ist das oberste Organ der Gesellschaft. |
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Authority |
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The General Meeting of Shareholders is the supreme corporate body of the Company. |
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Artikel 11 |
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Article 11 |
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Ordentliche Generalver-sammlung |
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Die ordentliche Generalversammlung findet alljährlich innerhalb von sechs Monaten nach Schluss des Geschäftsjahres statt. Spätestens zwanzig Kalendertage vor der Versammlung sind der Geschäftsbericht und der Revisionsbericht den Aktionären am Gesellschaftssitz zur Einsicht aufzulegen. Jeder Aktionär kann verlangen, dass ihm unverzüglich eine Ausfertigung des Geschäftsberichts und des Revisionsberichts ohne Kostenfolge zugesandt wird. Die im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktionäre werden über die Verfügbarkeit des Geschäftsberichts und des Revisionsberichts durch schriftliche Mitteilung unterrichtet. |
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Annual General Meeting |
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The Annual General Meeting shall be held each year within six months after the close of the fiscal year of the Company. The Annual Report and the Auditors Report shall be made available for inspection by the shareholders at the registered office of the Company no later than twenty calendar days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Each shareholder is entitled to request prompt delivery of a copy of the Annual Report and the Auditors Report free of charge. Shareholders of record will be notified of the availability of the Annual Report and the Auditors Report in writing. |
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Artikel 12 |
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Article 12 |
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Ausser-ordentliche Generalversammlung |
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1 |
Ausserordentliche Generalversammlungen finden in den vom Gesetz vorgesehenen Fällen statt, insbesondere, wenn der Verwaltungsrat es für notwendig oder angezeigt erachtet oder die Revisionsstelle dies verlangt. |
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Extraordinary General Meetings |
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1 |
Extraordinary General Meetings shall be held in the circumstances provided by law, in particular when deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board of Directors or if so requested by the Auditor. |
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2 |
Ausserdem muss der Verwaltungsrat eine ausserordentliche Generalversammlung einberufen, wenn es eine Generalversammlung so beschliesst oder wenn ein oder mehrere Aktionäre, welche zusammen mindestens den zehnten Teil des im Handelsregister eingetragenen Aktienkapitals vertreten, dies verlangen, unter der Voraussetzung, dass folgende Angaben gemacht werden: (a)(1) die Verhandlungsgegenstände, schriftlich unterzeichnet von dem/den antragstellenden Aktionär(en), (2) die Anträge sowie (3) der Nachweis der erforderlichen Anzahl der im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktien; und (b) die weiteren Informationen, die von der Gesellschaft nach den Regeln der U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in einem sog. Proxy Statement aufgenommen und veröffentlicht werden müssen. |
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2 |
An Extraordinary General Meeting shall further be convened by the Board of Directors upon resolution of a General Meeting of Shareholders or if so requested by one or more shareholders who, in the aggregate, represent at least one-tenth of the share capital recorded in the Commercial Register and who submit (a)(1) a request signed by such shareholder(s) that specifies the item(s) to be included on the agenda, (2) the respective proposals of the shareholders and (3) evidence of the required shareholdings recorded in the share register and (b) such other information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement pursuant to the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). |
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Artikel 13 |
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Article 13 |
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Einberufung |
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1 |
Die Generalversammlung wird durch den Verwaltungsrat, nötigenfalls die Revisionsstelle, spätestens 20 Kalendertage vor dem Tag der Generalversammlung einberufen. Die Einberufung erfolgt durch einmalige Bekanntmachung im Publikationsorgan der Gesellschaft gemäss Artikel 32 dieser Statuten. Für die Einhaltung der Einberufungsfrist ist der Tag der Veröffentlichung der Einberufung im Publikationsorgan massgeblich, wobei der Tag der Veröffentlichung nicht mitzuzählen ist. Die im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktionäre können zudem auf dem ordentlichen Postweg über die Generalversammlung informiert werden. |
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Notice of Shareholders Meetings |
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Notice of a General Meeting of Shareholders shall be given by the Board of Directors or, if necessary, by the Auditor, no later than twenty calendar days prior to the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be given by way of a one-time announcement in the official means of publication of the Company pursuant to Article 32 of these Articles of Association. The notice period shall be deemed to have been observed if notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders is published in such official means of publication, it being understood that the date of publication is not to be included for purposes of computing the notice period. Shareholders of record may in addition be informed of the General Meeting of Shareholders by ordinary mail. |
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2 |
Die Einberufung muss die Verhandlungsgegenstände sowie die Anträge des Verwaltungsrates und des oder der Aktionäre, welche die Durchführung einer Generalversammlung oder die Traktandierung eines Verhandlungsgegenstandes verlangt haben, und bei Wahlgeschäften die Namen des oder der zur Wahl vorgeschlagenen Kandidaten enthalten. |
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2 |
The notice of a General Meeting of Shareholders shall specify the items on the agenda and the proposals of the Board of Directors and the shareholder(s) who requested that a General Meeting of Shareholders be held or an item be included on the agenda, and, in the event of elections, the name(s) of the candidate(s) that has or have been put on the ballot for election. |
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Artikel 14 |
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Article 14 |
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Traktandierung |
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Jeder Aktionär kann die Traktandierung eines Verhandlungsgegenstandes verlangen. Das Traktandierungsbegehren muss mindestens 30 Kalendertage vor dem Jahrestag des sog. Proxy Statements der Gesellschaft, das im Zusammenhang mit der Generalversammlung im jeweiligen Vorjahr veröffentlicht und gemäss den anwendbaren SEC Regeln bei der SEC eingereicht wurde, schriftlich unter Angabe des Verhandlungsgegenstandes und der Anträge sowie unter Nachweis der erforderlichen Anzahl im Aktienbuch eingetragenen Aktien eingereicht werden. Falls das Datum |
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Agenda |
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Any shareholder may request that an item be included on the agenda of a General Meeting of Shareholders. An inclusion of an item on the agenda must be requested in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to the anniversary date of the Companys proxy statement in connection with the previous years General Meeting of Shareholders, as filed with the SEC pursuant to the applicable rules of the SEC, and shall specify in writing the relevant agenda items and proposals, together with evidence of the required shareholdings recorded in the share register; provided, however, that if the date of the General Meeting of |
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der anstehenden Generalversammlung mehr als 30 Kalendertage vor oder nach dem Jahrestag der vorangegangenen Generalversammlung angesetzt worden ist, ist das Traktandierungsbegehren stattdessen spätestens 10 Kalendertage nach dem Tag einzureichen, an dem die Gesellschaft das Datum der Generalversammlung öffentlich bekannt gemacht hat. |
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Shareholders is more than 30 calendar days before or after such anniversary date, such request must instead be made at least by the 10th calendar day following the date on which the Company has made public disclosure of the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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2 |
Zu nicht gehörig angekündigten Verhandlungsgegenständen können keine Beschlüsse gefasst werden. Hiervon ausgenommen sind jedoch der Beschluss über den in einer Generalversammlung gestellten Antrag auf (i) Einberufung einer ausserordentlichen Generalversammlung sowie (ii) Durchführung einer Sonderprüfung gemäss Artikel 697a des Schweizerischen Obligationenrechts (OR). |
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2 |
No resolution may be passed at a General Meeting of Shareholders concerning an agenda item in relation to which due notice was not given. Proposals made during a General Meeting of Shareholders to (i) convene an Extraordinary General Meeting or (ii) initiate a special investigation in accordance with article 697a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) are not subject to the due notice requirement set forth herein. |
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3 |
Zur Stellung von Anträgen im Rahmen der Verhandlungsgegenstände und zu Verhandlungen ohne Beschlussfassung bedarf es keiner vorgängigen Ankündigung. |
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3 |
No prior notice is required to bring motions related to items already on the agenda or for the discussion of matters on which no resolution is to be taken. |
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Artikel 15 |
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Article 15 |
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Vorsitz der Generalver-sammlung, Protokoll, Stimmenzähler |
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1 |
An der Generalversammlung führt der Präsident des Verwaltungsrates oder, bei dessen Verhinderung, der Vizepräsident oder eine andere vom Verwaltungsrat bezeichnete Person den Vorsitz. |
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Acting Chair, Minutes, Vote Counters |
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At the General Meeting of Shareholders the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his absence, the Vice-Chairman or any other person designated by the Board of Directors, shall take the chair. |
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Der Vorsitzende der Generalversammlung bestimmt den Protokollführer und die Stimmenzähler, die alle nicht Aktionäre sein müssen. Das Protokoll ist vom Vorsitzenden und vom Protokollführer zu unterzeichnen. |
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The acting chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall appoint the secretary and the vote counters, none of whom need be shareholders. The minutes of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be signed by the acting chair and the secretary. |
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3 |
Der Vorsitzende der Generalversammlung hat sämtliche Leitungsbefugnisse, die für die ordnungsgemässe Durchführung der Generalversammlung nötig und |
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3 |
The acting chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders shall have all powers and authority necessary and appropriate to ensure the orderly conduct of the General |
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angemessen sind. |
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Meeting of Shareholders. |
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Artikel 16 |
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Article 16 |
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Recht auf Teilnahme, Vertretung der Aktionäre |
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Jeder im Aktienbuch eingetragene Aktionär ist berechtigt, an der Generalversammlung und deren Beschlüssen teilzunehmen. Ein Aktionär kann sich an der Generalversammlung vertreten lassen, wobei der Vertreter nicht Aktionär sein muss. Der Verwaltungsrat regelt die Einzelheiten über die Vertretung und Teilnahme an der Generalversammlung in Verfahrensvorschriften. |
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Right to Participation and Representation |
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Each shareholder recorded in the share register is entitled to participate at the General Meeting of Shareholders and in any vote taken. The shareholders may be represented by proxies who need not be shareholders. The Board of Directors shall issue the particulars of the right to representation and participation at the General Meeting of Shareholders in procedural rules. |
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Artikel 17 |
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Article 17 |
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Stimmrecht |
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Jede Aktie berechtigt zu einer Stimme. Das Stimmrecht untersteht den Bedingungen von Artikel 7 und 9 dieser Statuten. |
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Voting Rights |
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Each Share shall convey the right to one vote. The right to vote is subject to the conditions of Articles 7and 9 of these Articles of Association. |
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Artikel 18 |
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Article 18 |
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Beschlüsse und Wahlen |
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1 |
Die Generalversammlung fasst Beschlüsse und entscheidet Wahlen, soweit das Gesetz oder diese Statuten es nicht anders bestimmen, mit der relativen Mehrheit der abgegebenen Aktienstimmen (wobei Enthaltungen, sog. Broker Nonvotes, leere oder ungültige Stimmen für die Bestimmung des Mehrs nicht berücksichtigt werden). |
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Resolutions and Elections |
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1 |
Unless otherwise required by law or these Articles of Association, the General Meeting of Shareholders shall take resolutions and decide elections upon a relative majority of the votes cast at the General Meeting of Shareholders (whereby abstentions, broker nonvotes, blank or invalid ballots shall be disregarded for purposes of establishing the majority). |
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2 |
Die Generalversammlung entscheidet über die Wahl von Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates nach dem proportionalen Wahlverfahren, wonach diejenige Person, welche die grösste Zahl der abgegebenen Aktienstimmen für einen Verwaltungsratssitz erhält, als für den betreffenden Verwaltungsratssitz gewählt gilt. Aktienstimmen gegen einen Kandidaten, Stimmenthaltungen, sog. Broker Nonvotes, ungültige oder leere Stimmen haben für die Zwecke dieses Artikels 18 Abs. 2 keine Auswirkungen auf |
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2 |
The General Meeting of Shareholders shall decide elections of members of the Board of Directors upon a plurality of the votes cast at the General Meeting of Shareholders. A plurality means that the individual who receives the largest number of votes for a board seat is elected to that board seat. Votes against any candidate, abstentions, broker nonvotes, blank or invalid ballots shall have no impact on the election of members of the Board of Directors under this Article 18 para. 2. |
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die Wahl von Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates. |
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3 |
Für die Abwahl von amtierenden Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates gilt das Mehrheitserfordernis gemäss Artikel 20 Abs. 2(e) sowie das Präsenzquorum von Artikel 21 Abs. 1(a). |
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3 |
For the removal of a serving member of the Board of Directors, the voting requirement set forth in Article 20 para. 2(e) and the presence quorum set forth in Article 21 para. 1(a) shall apply. |
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4 |
Die Abstimmungen und Wahlen erfolgen offen, es sei denn, dass die Generalversammlung schriftliche Abstimmung respektive Wahl beschliesst oder der Vorsitzende dies anordnet. Der Vorsitzende kann Abstimmungen und Wahlen auch mittels elektronischem Verfahren durchführen lassen. Elektronische Abstimmungen und Wahlen sind schriftlichen Abstimmen und Wahlen gleichgestellt. |
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4 |
Resolutions and elections shall be decided by a show of hands, unless a written ballot is resolved by the General Meeting of Shareholders or is ordered by the acting chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The acting chair may also hold resolutions and elections by use of an electronic voting system. Electronic resolutions and elections shall be considered equal to resolutions and elections taken by way of a written ballot. |
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5 |
Der Vorsitzende kann eine offene Wahl oder Abstimmung immer durch eine schriftliche oder elektronische wiederholen lassen, sofern nach seiner Meinung Zweifel am Abstimmungsergebnis bestehen. In diesem Fall gilt die vorausgegangene offene Wahl oder Abstimmung als nicht geschehen. |
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5 |
The chair of the General Meeting of Shareholders may at any time order that an election or resolution decided by a show of hands be repeated by way of a written or electronic ballot if he considers the vote to be in doubt. The resolution or election previously held by a show of hands shall then be deemed to have not taken place. |
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Artikel 19 |
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Article 19 |
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Befugnisse der Generalver-sammlung |
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Der Generalversammlung sind folgende Geschäfte vorbehalten:
(a) Die Festsetzung und Änderung dieser Statuten;
(b) die Wahl der Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates und der Revisionsstelle;
(c) die Genehmigung des Jahresberichtes und der Konzernrechnung;
(d) die Genehmigung der Jahresrechnung sowie die Beschlussfassung über die Verwendung des Bilanzgewinnes, insbesondere die Festsetzung der Dividende;
(e) die Entlastung der Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates;
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Powers of the General Meeting of Shareholders |
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The following powers shall be vested exclusively in the General Meeting of Shareholders:
(a) The adoption and amendment of these Articles of Association;
(b) the election of the members of the Board of Directors and the Auditor;
(c) the approval of the Annual Report and the Consolidated Financial Statements;
(d) the approval of the Annual Statutory Financial Statements of the Company and the resolution on the allocation of profit shown on the Annual Statutory Balance Sheet, in particular the |
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(f) die Genehmigung eines Zusammenschlusses mit einem Nahestehenden Aktionär (gemäss der Definition dieser Begriffe in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten); und
(g) die Beschlussfassung über die Gegenstände, die der Generalversammlung durch das Gesetz oder die Statuten vorbehalten sind oder ihr, vorbehältlich Artikel 716a OR, durch den Verwaltungsrat vorgelegt werden. |
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determination of any dividend;
(e) the discharge from liability of the members of the Board of Directors;
(f) the approval of a Business Combination with an Interested Shareholder (as each such term is defined in Article 35 of these Articles of Association); and
(g) the adoption of resolutions on matters that are reserved to the General Meeting of Shareholders by law, these Articles of Association or, subject to article 716a CO, that are submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders by the Board of Directors. |
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Artikel 20 |
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Article 20 |
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Besonderes Quorum |
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1 |
Ein Beschluss der Generalversammlung, der mindestens zwei Drittel der an der Generalversammlung vertretenen Stimmen und die absolute Mehrheit der an der Generalversammlung vertretenen Aktiennennwerte auf sich vereinigt, ist erforderlich für:
(a) Die Ergänzung oder Änderung des Gesellschaftszweckes gemäss Artikel 2 dieser Statuten;
(b) die Einführung und Abschaffung von Stimmrechtsaktien;
(c) die Beschränkung der Übertragbarkeit der Aktien und die Aufhebung einer solche Beschränkung;
(d) die Beschränkung der Ausübung des Stimmrechts und die Aufhebung einer solchen Beschränkung;
(e) eine genehmigte oder bedingte Kapitalerhöhung;
(f) die Kapitalerhöhung (i) aus Eigenkapital, (ii) gegen Sacheinlage oder zwecks Sachübernahme oder (iii) die Gewährung von besonderen Vorteilen; |
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Special Vote |
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1 |
The approval of at least two-thirds of the votes and the absolute majority of the par value of Shares, each as represented at a General Meeting of Shareholders, shall be required for resolutions with respect to:
(a) The amendment or modification of the purpose of the Company as described in Article 2 of these Articles of Association;
(b) the creation and the cancelation of shares with privileged voting rights;
(c) the restriction on the transferability of Shares and the cancelation of such restriction;
(d) the restriction on the exercise of the right to vote and the cancelation of such restriction;
(e) an authorized or conditional increase in share capital;
(f) an increase in share capital (i) through the conversion of capital surplus, (ii) through contribution in kind or for purposes of an acquisition of assets, or (iii) the granting of special |
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(g) die Einschränkung oder Aufhebung des Bezugsrechts;
(h) die Verlegung des Sitzes der Gesellschaft;
(i) die Umwandlung von Namen- in Inhaberaktien und umgekehrt; und
(j) die Auflösung der Gesellschaft. |
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privileges;
(g) the limitation on or withdrawal of preemptive rights;
(h) the relocation of the registered office of the Company;
(i) the conversion of registered shares into bearer shares and vice versa; and
(j) the dissolution of the Company. |
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2 |
Ein Beschluss der Generalversammlung, der mindestens zwei Drittel aller stimmberechtigten Aktien auf sich vereinigt, ist erforderlich für: |
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2 |
The approval of at least two-thirds of the Shares entitled to vote shall be required for: |
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(a) Jede Änderung von Artikel 14 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten; |
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(a) Any change to Article 14 para. 1 of these Articles of Association; |
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(b) jede Änderung von Artikel 18 dieser Statuten; |
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(b) any change to Article 18 of these Articles of Association; |
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(c) jede Änderung dieses Artikels 20 Abs. 2; |
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(c) any change to this Article 20 para. 2; |
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(d) jede Änderung von Artikel 21, 22, 23 oder 24 dieser Statuten; und |
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(d) any change to Article 21, 22, 23 or 24 of these Articles of Association; and |
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(e) die Abwahl eines amtierenden Mitglieds des Verwaltungsrates. |
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(e) a resolution with respect to the removal of a serving member of the Board of Directors. |
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3 |
Zusätzlich zu etwaigen gesetzlich bestehenden Zustimmungserfordernissen ist ein Beschluss der Generalversammlung mit einer Mehrheit, die mindestens die Summe von: (i) zwei Drittel aller stimmberechtigten Aktien; zuzüglich (ii) einer Zahl von stimmberechtigten Aktien, die einem Drittel der von Nahestehenden Aktionären (wie in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten definiert) gehaltenen Aktienstimmen entspricht, auf sich vereinigt, erforderlich für (1) jeden Zusammenschluss der Gesellschaft mit einem Nahestehenden Aktionär innerhalb eines Zeitraumes von drei Jahren, seitdem diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, (2) jede |
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3 |
In addition to any approval that may be required under applicable law, the approval of a majority at least equal to the sum of: (i) two-thirds of the Shares entitled to vote; plus (ii) a number of Shares entitled to vote that is equal to one-third of the number of Shares held by Interested Shareholders (as defined in Article 35 of these Articles of Association), shall be required for the Company to (1) engage in any Business Combination with an Interested Shareholder for a period of three years following the time that such Person became an Interested Shareholder, (2) amend Article 19(f) of these Articles of Association or (3) amend this |
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Änderung von Artikel 19(f) dieser Statuten oder (3) jede Änderung von Artikel 20 Abs. 3 dieser Statuten (einschliesslich der dazugehörigen Definitionen in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten). Das im vorangehenden Satz aufgestellte Zustimmungserfordernis ist jedoch nicht anwendbar falls: |
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Article 20 para. 3 of these Articles of Association (including any of the definitions pertaining thereto as set forth in Article 35 of these Articles of Association); provided, however, that the approval requirement in the preceding sentence shall not apply if: |
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(a) der Verwaltungsrat, bevor diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, entweder den Zusammenschluss oder eine andere Transaktion genehmigte, als Folge derer diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde; |
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(a) Prior to such time that such Person became an Interested Shareholder, the Board of Directors approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which resulted in such Person becoming an Interested Shareholder; |
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(b) nach Vollzug der Transaktion, als Folge derer diese Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, der Nahestehende Aktionär mindestens 85% der unmittelbar vor Beginn der betreffenden Transaktion allgemein stimmberechtigten Aktien hält, wobei zur Bestimmung der Anzahl der allgemein stimmberechtigten Aktien (nicht jedoch zur Bestimmung der durch den Nahestehenden Aktionär gehaltenen Aktien) folgende Aktien nicht zu berücksichtigen sind: Aktien, (x) welche von Personen gehalten werden, die sowohl Verwaltungsrats- wie Geschäftsleitungsmitglieder sind, und (y) welche für Mitarbeiteraktienpläne reserviert sind, soweit die diesen Plänen unterworfenen Mitarbeiter nicht das Recht haben, unter Wahrung der Vertraulichkeit darüber zu entscheiden, ob Aktien, die dem betreffenden Mitarbeiteraktienplan unterstehen, in einem Übernahme- oder Austauschangebot angedient werden sollen oder nicht; |
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(b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in such Person becoming an Interested Shareholder, the Interested Shareholder Owned at least 85% of the Shares generally entitled to vote at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining such number of Shares then in issue (but not for purposes of determining the Shares Owned by the Interested Shareholder), those Shares Owned (x) by Persons who are both members of the Board of Directors and officers of the Company and (y) by employee share plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether Shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; |
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(c) eine Person unbeabsichtigterweise zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wird und (x) das Eigentum an einer genügenden Anzahl Aktien sobald als möglich veräussert, so dass sie nicht |
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(c) a Person becomes an Interested Shareholder inadvertently and (x) as soon as practicable divests itself of Ownership of sufficient Shares so that such Person ceases to be an Interested |
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mehr länger als Nahestehender Aktionär qualifiziert und (y) zu keinem Zeitpunkt während der drei dem Zusammenschluss zwischen der Gesellschaft und dieser Person unmittelbar vorangehenden Jahren als Nahestehender Aktionär gegolten hätte, ausgenommen aufgrund des unbeabsichtigten Erwerbs der Eigentümerschaft. |
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Shareholder and (y) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a Business Combination between the Company and such Person, have been an Interested Shareholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of Ownership; |
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(d) der Zusammenschluss vor Vollzug oder Verzicht auf und nach öffentlicher Bekanntgabe oder der nach diesem Abschnitt erforderlichen Mitteilung (was auch immer früher erfolgt) eine(r) beabsichtigten Transaktion vorgeschlagen wird, welche (i) eine der Transaktionen im Sinne des zweiten Satzes dieses Artikels 20 Abs. 3(d) darstellt; (ii) mit oder von einer Person abgeschlossen wird, die entweder während den letzten drei Jahren kein Nahestehender Aktionär war oder zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär mit der Genehmigung des Verwaltungsrates wurde; und (iii) von einer Mehrheit der dannzumal amtierenden Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates (aber mindestens einem) genehmigt oder nicht abgelehnt wird, die entweder bereits Verwaltungsratsmitglieder waren, bevor in den drei vorangehenden Jahren irgendeine Person zu einem Nahestehenden Aktionär wurde, oder die auf Empfehlung einer Mehrheit solcher Verwaltungsratsmitglieder als deren Nachfolger zur Wahl vorgeschlagen wurden. Die im vorangehenden Satz erwähnten beabsichtigen Transaktionen sind auf folgende beschränkt: (x) eine Fusion oder andere Form des Zusammenschlusses der Gesellschaft (mit Ausnahme einer Fusion, welche keine Genehmigung durch die Generalversammlung der Gesellschaft voraussetzt); (y) ein Verkauf, eine |
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(d) the Business Combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required hereunder of a proposed transaction which (i) constitutes one of the transactions described in the second sentence of this Article 20 para. 3(d); (ii) is with or by a person who either was not an Interested Shareholder during the previous three years or who became an Interested Shareholder with the approval of the Board of Directors; and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office (but not less than one) who were Directors prior to any person becoming an Interested Shareholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election to succeed such Directors by a majority of such Directors. The proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are limited to (x) a merger or consolidation of the Company (except for a merger in respect of which no vote of the Companys shareholders is required); (y) a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Company or of any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company (other than to any direct or indirect |
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Vermietung oder Verpachtung, hypothekarische Belastung oder andere Verpfändung, Übertragung oder andere Verfügung (ob in einer oder mehreren Transaktionen), einschliesslich im Rahmen eines Tauschs, von Vermögenswerten der Gesellschaft oder einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird (jedoch nicht an eine direkt oder indirekt zu 100% gehaltene Konzerngesellschaft oder an die Gesellschaft), soweit diese Vermögenswerte einen Marktwert von 50% oder mehr entweder des auf konsolidierter Basis aggregierten Marktwertes aller Vermögenswerte der Gesellschaft oder des aggregierten Marktwertes aller dann ausgegebenen Aktien haben, unabhängig davon, ob eine dieser Transaktionen Teil einer Auflösung der Gesellschaft ist oder nicht; oder (z) ein vorgeschlagenes Übernahme- oder Umtauschangebot für 50% oder mehr der ausstehenden Stimmrechte der Gesellschaft. Die Gesellschaft muss Nahestehenden Aktionären sowie den übrigen Aktionären den Vollzug einer der unter (x) oder (y) des zweiten Satzes dieses Artikels 20 Abs. 3(d) erwähnten Transaktionen mindestens 20 Kalendertage vorher mitteilen. |
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wholly Owned subsidiary or to the Company) having an aggregate market value equal to 50% or more of either that aggregate market value of all of the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the issued shares; or (z) a proposed tender or exchange offer for 50% or more of the voting shares then in issue. The Company shall give not less than 20 days notice to all Interested Shareholders as well as to the other shareholders prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in clause (x) or (y) of the second sentence of this Article 20 para. 3(d). |
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Artikel 21 |
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Article 21 |
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Präsenzquorum |
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Die nachfolgend aufgeführten Angelegenheiten erfordern zum Zeitpunkt der Konstituierung der Generalversammlung ein Präsenzquorum von Aktionären oder deren Vertretern, welche mindestens zwei Drittel des im Handelsregister eingetragenen Aktienkapitals vertreten, damit die Generalversammlung beschlussfähig ist:
(a) Die Beschlussfassung über die Abwahl eines amtierenden Verwaltungsratsmitglieds; und |
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Presence Quorum |
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The matters set forth below require that a quorum of shareholders of record holding in person or by proxy at least two-thirds of the share capital recorded in the Commercial Register are present at the time when the General Meeting of Shareholders proceeds to business:
(a) the adoption of a resolution to remove a serving Director; and
(b) the adoption of a resolution to amend, vary, |
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(b) die Beschlussfassung, diesen Artikel 21 oder Artikel 18, 19(f), 20, 22, 23 oder 24 dieser Statuten zu ergänzen, zu ändern, nicht anzuwenden oder ausser Kraft zu setzen. |
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suspend the operation of, disapply or cancel this Article 21 or Articles 18, 19(f), 20, 22, 23 or 24 of these Articles of Association. |
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2 |
Jede andere Beschlussfassung oder Wahl setzt zu ihrer Gültigkeit voraus, dass zum Zeitpunkt der Konstituierung der Generalversammlung zumindest die Mehrheit aller stimmberechtigten Aktien anwesend ist. Die Aktionäre können mit der Behandlung der Traktanden fortfahren, selbst wenn Aktionäre nach Bekanntgabe des Quorums durch den Vorsitzenden die Generalversammlung verlassen und damit weniger als das geforderte Präsenzquorum an der Generalversammlung verbleibt. |
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2 |
The adoption of any other resolution or election requires that at least a majority of all the Shares entitled to vote be represented at the time when the General Meeting of Shareholders proceeds to business. The shareholders present at a General Meeting of Shareholders may continue to transact business, despite the withdrawal of shareholders from such General Meeting of Shareholders following announcement of the presence quorum at that meeting. |
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B. Verwaltungsrat |
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B. Board of Directors |
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Artikel 22 |
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Article 22 |
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Anzahl der Verwaltungs-räte |
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Der Verwaltungsrat besteht aus mindestens zwei und höchstens 12 Mitgliedern. |
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Number of Directors |
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The Board of Directors shall consist of no less than two and no more than 12 members. |
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Artikel 23 |
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Article 23 |
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Amtsdauer |
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1 |
Die Verwaltungsräte werden vom Verwaltungsrat in drei Klassen aufgeteilt, welche als Klasse I, Klasse II und Klasse III bezeichnet werden. An jeder ordentlichen Generalversammlung soll jede Klasse Verwaltungsräte, deren Amtsdauer abläuft, für eine Amtsdauer von drei Jahren bzw. bis zur Wahl eines Nachfolgers in sein Amt gewählt werden. Der Verwaltungsrat legt die Reihenfolge der Wiederwahl fest, wobei die erste Amtszeit einer Klasse von Verwaltungsräten auch weniger als drei Jahre betragen kann. Für die Zwecke dieser Bestimmung ist unter einem Jahr der Zeitabschnitt zwischen zwei ordentlichen Generalversammlungen zu verstehen. |
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Term of Office |
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The Board of Directors shall divide its members into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. At each Annual General Meeting, each class of the members of the Board of Directors whose term shall then expire shall be elected to hold office for a three-year term or until the election of their respective successor in office. The Board of Directors shall establish the order of rotation, whereby the first term of office of members of a particular Class may be less than three years. For purposes of this provision, one year shall mean the period between two Annual General Meetings of Shareholders. |
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2 |
Wenn ein Verwaltungsratsmitglied vor Ablauf seiner Amtsdauer aus welchen Gründen auch immer ersetzt wird, |
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2 |
If, before the expiration of his term of office, a Director should be replaced for whatever reason, the term of office |
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endet die Amtsdauer des an seiner Stelle gewählten neuen Verwaltungsratsmitgliedes mit dem Ende der Amtsdauer seines Vorgängers. |
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of the newly elected member of the Board of Directors shall expire at the end of the term of office of his predecessor. |
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Artikel 24 |
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Article 24 |
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Organisation des Verwaltungs-rates, Entschädigung |
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Der Verwaltungsrat wählt aus seiner Mitte einen Vorsitzenden. Er kann einen oder mehrere Vizepräsidenten wählen. Er bestellt weiter einen Sekretär, welcher nicht Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates sein muss. Der Verwaltungsrat regelt unter Vorbehalt der Bestimmungen des Gesetzes und dieser Statuten die Einzelheiten seiner Organisation in einem Organisationsreglement. |
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Organization of the Board, Remuneration |
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1 |
The Board of Directors shall elect from among its members a Chairman. It may elect one or more Vice-Chairmen. It shall further appoint a Secretary, who need not be a member of the Board of Directors. Subject to applicable law and these Articles of Association, the Board of Directors shall establish the particulars of its organization in organizational regulations. |
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2 |
Die Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates haben Anspruch auf Ersatz ihrer im Interesse der Gesellschaft aufgewendeten Auslagen sowie auf eine ihrer Tätigkeit und Verantwortung entsprechende Entschädigung, die der Verwaltungsrat auf Antrag eines Ausschusses des Verwaltungsrates festlegt. |
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2 |
The members of the Board of Directors shall be entitled to reimbursement of all expenses incurred in the interest of the Company, as well as remuneration for their services that is appropriate in view of their functions and responsibilities. The amount of the remuneration shall be determined by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by a committee of the Board of Directors. |
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3 |
Soweit gesetzlich zulässig, hält die Gesellschaft aktuelle und ehemalige Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates und der Geschäftsleitung sowie deren Erben, Konkurs- oder Nachlassmassen aus Gesellschaftsmitteln für Schäden, Verluste und Kosten aus drohenden, hängigen oder abgeschlossenen Klagen, Verfahren oder Untersuchungen zivil-, straf- oder verwaltungsrechtlicher oder anderer Natur schadlos, welche ihnen oder ihren Erben, Konkurs- oder Nachlassmassen entstehen aufgrund von tatsächlichen oder behaupteten Handlungen, Zustimmungen oder Unterlassungen im Zusammenhang mit der Ausübung ihrer Pflichten oder behaupteten Pflichten oder aufgrund der Tatsache, dass sie Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates oder der Geschäftsleitung der Gesellschaft sind oder waren |
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3 |
The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the existing and former members of the Board of Directors and officers, and their heirs, executors and administrators, out of the assets of the Company from and against all threatened, pending or completed actions, suits or proceedings whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and all costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them, their heirs, executors or administrators, shall or may incur or sustain by or by reason of any act done or alleged to be done, concurred or alleged to be concurred in or omitted or alleged to be omitted in or about the execution of their duty, or alleged duty, or by reason of the fact that he is or was a member of the Board of |
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oder auf Aufforderung der Gesellschaft als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates, der Geschäftsleitung oder als Arbeitnehmer oder Agent eines anderen Unternehmens, einer anderen Gesellschaft, einer nicht-rechtsfähigen Personengesellschaft oder eines Trusts sind oder waren. Diese Pflicht zur Schadloshaltung besteht nicht, soweit in einem endgültigen, nicht weiterziehbaren Entscheid eines zuständigen Gerichts bzw. einer zuständigen Verwaltungsbehörde entschieden worden ist, dass eine der genannten Personen ihre Pflichten als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates oder der Geschäftsleitung absichtlich oder grobfahrlässig verletzt hat. |
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Director or officer of the Company, or while serving as a member of the Board of Director or officer of the Company is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise; provided, however, that this indemnity shall not extend to any matter in which any of said persons is found, in a final judgment or decree of a court or governmental or administrative authority of competent jurisdiction not subject to appeal, to have committed an intentional or grossly negligent breach of his statutory duties as a member of the Board of Director or officer. |
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4 |
Ohne den vorangehenden Absatz 3 dieses Artikels 24 einzuschränken, bevorschusst die Gesellschaft Mitgliedern des Verwaltungsrates und der Geschäftsleitung Gerichts- und Anwaltskosten. Die Gesellschaft kann solche Vorschüsse zurückfordern, wenn ein zuständiges Gericht oder eine zuständige Verwaltungsbehörde in einem endgültigen, nicht weiterziehbaren Urteil bzw. Entscheid zum Schluss kommt, dass eine der genannten Personen ihre Pflichten als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrates oder der Geschäftsleitung absichtlich oder grobfahrlässig verletzt hat. |
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4 |
Without limiting the foregoing paragraph 3 of this Article 24, the Company shall advance court costs and attorneys fees to the existing and former members of the Board of Directors and officers. The Company may however recover such advanced costs if any of said persons is found, in a final judgment or decree of a court or governmental or administrative authority of competent jurisdiction not subject to appeal, to have committed an intentional or grossly negligent breach of his statutory duties as a Director of officer. |
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Artikel 25 |
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Article 25 |
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Befugnisse des Verwaltungs-rates |
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1 |
Der Verwaltungsrat hat die in Artikel 716a OR statuierten unübertragbaren und unentziehbaren Aufgaben, insbesondere:
(a) die Oberleitung der Gesellschaft und die Erteilung der nötigen Weisungen;
(b) die Festlegung der Organisation; und
(c) die Oberaufsicht über die mit der Geschäftsführung betrauten Personen, namentlich im Hinblick auf die Befolgung der Gesetze, Statuten, Reglemente und |
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Specific Powers of the Board |
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1 |
The Board of Directors has the non-delegable and inalienable duties as specified in Article 716a CO, in particular:
(a) the ultimate direction of the business of the Company and the issuance of the required directives;
(b) the determination of the organization of the Company; and
(c) the ultimate supervision of the persons entrusted |
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Weisungen. |
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with management duties, in particular with regard to compliance with law, these Articles of Association, regulations and directives. |
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2 |
Der Verwaltungsrat kann überdies in allen Angelegenheiten Beschluss fassen, die nicht nach Gesetz oder Statuten der Generalversammlung zugeteilt sind. |
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2 |
In addition, the Board of Directors may pass resolutions with respect to all matters that are not reserved to the General Meeting of Shareholders by law or under these Articles of Association. |
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3 |
Der Verwaltungsrat kann Beteiligungspläne der Gesellschaft der Generalversammlung zur Genehmigung vorlegen. |
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3 |
The Board of Directors may submit benefit or incentive plans of the Company to the General Meeting of Shareholders for approval. |
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Artikel 26 |
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Article 26 |
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Übertragung von Befugnissen |
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Der Verwaltungsrat kann unter Vorbehalt von Artikel 25 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten sowie der Vorschriften des OR die Geschäftsführung nach Massgabe eines Organisationsreglements ganz oder teilweise an eines oder mehrere seiner Mitglieder, an einen oder mehrere Ausschüsse des Verwaltungsrates oder an Dritte übertragen. |
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Delegation of Powers |
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Subject to Article 25 para. 1 of these Articles of Association and the applicable provisions of the CO, the Board of Directors may delegate the management of the Company in whole or in part to individual directors, one or more committees of the Board of Directors or to persons other than Directors pursuant to organizational regulations. |
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Artikel 27 |
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Article 27 |
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Sitzungen des Verwaltungsrats |
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1 |
Sofern das vom Verwaltungsrat erlassene Organisationsreglement nichts anderes festlegt, ist zur gültigen Beschlussfassung über Geschäfte des Verwaltungsrates die Anwesenheit einer Mehrheit der Mitglieder des gesamten Verwaltungsrates notwendig. Kein Präsenzquorum ist erforderlich für die Statutenanpassungs- und Feststellungsbeschlüsse des Verwaltungsrates im Zusammenhang mit Kapitalerhöhungen. |
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Meeting of the Board of Directors |
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1 |
Except as otherwise set forth in organizational regulations of the Board of Directors, the attendance quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board of Directors shall be a majority of the whole Board of Directors. No attendance quorum shall be required for resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the confirmation of a capital increase or for the amendment of the Articles of Association in connection therewith. |
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2 |
Der Verwaltungsrat fasst seine Beschlüsse mit einer Mehrheit der von den anwesenden Verwaltungsräten abgegebenen Stimmen, vorausgesetzt, das Präsenzquorum von Absatz 1 dieses Artikels 27 ist erfüllt. |
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2 |
The Board of Directors shall pass its resolutions with the majority of the votes cast by the Directors present at a meeting at which the attendance quorum of para. 1 of this Article 27 is satisfied. The Chairman shall have no casting |
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Der Vorsitzende hat bei Stimmengleichheit keinen Stichentscheid. |
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vote. |
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Artikel 28 |
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Article 28 |
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Zeichnungs-berechtigung |
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Die rechtsverbindliche Vertretung der Gesellschaft durch Mitglieder des Verwaltungsrates und durch Dritte wird in einem Organisationsreglement festgelegt. |
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Signature Power |
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The due and valid representation of the Company by members of the Board of Directors and other persons shall be set forth in organizational regulations. |
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C. Revisionsstelle |
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C. Auditor |
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Artikel 29 |
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Article 29 |
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Amtsdauer, Befugnisse und Pflichten |
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1 |
Die Revisionsstelle wird von der Generalversammlung gewählt und es obliegen ihr die vom Gesetz zugewiesenen Befugnisse und Pflichten. |
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Term, Powers and Duties |
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The Auditor shall be elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders and shall have the powers and duties vested in it by law. |
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2 |
Die Amtsdauer der Revisionsstelle beträgt ein Jahr, beginnend am Tage der Wahl an einer ordentlichen Generalversammlung und endend am Tage der nächsten ordentlichen Generalversammlung. |
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2 |
The term of office of the Auditor shall be one year, commencing on the day of election at an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and terminating on the day of the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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Abschnitt 4: |
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Section 4: |
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Artikel 30 |
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Article 30 |
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Geschäftsjahr |
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Der Verwaltungsrat legt das Geschäftsjahr fest. |
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Fiscal Year |
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The Board of Directors determines the fiscal year. |
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Artikel 31 |
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Article 31 |
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Verteilung des Bilanzgewinns, Reserven |
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1 |
Über den Bilanzgewinn verfügt die Generalversammlung im Rahmen der anwendbaren gesetzlichen Vorschriften. Der Verwaltungsrat unterbreitet ihr seine Vorschläge. |
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Allocation of Profit Shown on the Annual Statutory Balance Sheet, |
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1 |
The profit shown on the Annual Statutory Balance Sheet shall be allocated by the General Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with applicable law. The Board of Directors shall submit its proposals to the General Meeting of Shareholders. |
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Reserves |
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2 |
Neben der gesetzlichen Reserve können weitere Reserven geschaffen werden. |
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2 |
Further reserves may be taken in addition to the reserves required by law. |
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3 |
Dividenden, welche nicht innerhalb von fünf Jahren nach ihrem Auszahlungsdatum bezogen werden, fallen an die Gesellschaft und werden in die allgemeinen gesetzlichen Reserven verbucht. |
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3 |
Dividends that have not been collected within five years after their payment date shall enure to the Company and be allocated to the general statutory reserves. |
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Abschnitt 5: |
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Section 5: |
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Artikel 32 |
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Article 32 |
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Auflösung und Liquidation |
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1 |
Die Generalversammlung kann jederzeit die Auflösung und Liquidation der Gesellschaft nach Massgabe der gesetzlichen und statutarischen Vorschriften beschliessen. |
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Winding-up and Liquidation |
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1 |
The General Meeting of Shareholders may at any time resolve on the winding-up and liquidation of the Company pursuant to applicable law and the provisions set forth in these Articles of Association. |
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2 |
Die Liquidation wird durch den Verwaltungsrat durchgeführt, sofern sie nicht durch die Generalversammlung anderen Personen übertragen wird. |
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2 |
The liquidation shall be effected by the Board of Directors, unless the General Meeting of Shareholders shall appoint other persons as liquidators. |
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3 |
Die Liquidation der Gesellschaft erfolgt nach Massgabe der gesetzlichen Vorschriften. |
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3 |
The liquidation of the Company shall be effectuated pursuant to the statutory provisions. |
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4 |
Nach erfolgter Tilgung der Schulden wird das Vermögen unter die Aktionäre nach Massgabe der eingezahlten Beträge verteilt, soweit diese Statuten nichts anderes vorsehen. |
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4 |
Upon discharge of all liabilities, the assets of the Company shall be distributed to the shareholders pursuant to the amounts paid in, unless these Articles of Association provide otherwise. |
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Abschnitt 6: |
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Section 6: |
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Artikel 33 |
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Article 33 |
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Bekannt-machungen, Mitteilungen |
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Publikationsorgan der Gesellschaft ist das Schweizerische Handelsamtsblatt. |
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Announcements, Communications |
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1 |
The official means of publication of the Company shall be the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. |
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2 |
Soweit keine individuelle Benachrichtigung durch das Gesetz, börsengesetzliche Bestimmungen oder diese Statuten verlangt wird, gelten sämtliche Mitteilungen an die Aktionäre als gültig erfolgt, wenn sie im Schweizerischen Handelsamtsblatt veröffentlicht worden sind. Schriftliche Bekanntmachungen der Gesellschaft an die Aktionäre werden auf dem ordentlichen Postweg an die letzte im Aktienbuch verzeichnete Adresse des Aktionärs oder des bevollmächtigten Empfängers geschickt. Finanzinstitute, welche Aktien für wirtschaftlich Berechtigte halten und als solches im Aktienbuch eingetragen sind, gelten als bevollmächtigte Empfänger. |
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2 |
To the extent that individual notification is not required by law, stock exchange regulations or these Articles of Association, all communications to the shareholders shall be deemed valid if published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. Written communications by the Company to its shareholders shall be sent by ordinary mail to the last address of the shareholder or authorized recipient recorded in the share register. Financial institutions holding Shares for beneficial owners and recorded in such capacity in the share register shall be deemed to be authorized recipients. |
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Abschnitt 7: |
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Section 7: |
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Artikel 34 |
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Article 34 |
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Verbindlicher Originaltext |
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Falls sich zwischen der deutschen und englischen Fassung dieser Statuten Differenzen ergeben, hat die deutsche Fassung Vorrang. |
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Original Language |
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In the event of deviations between the German and English version of these Articles of Association, the German text shall prevail. |
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Abschnitt 8: |
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Section 8: |
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Artikel 35 |
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Article 35 |
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Aktie(n) |
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Der Begriff Aktie(n) hat die in Artikel 4 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Share(s) |
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The term Share(s) has the meaning assigned to it in Article 4 of these Articles of Association. |
Eigentümer |
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2 |
Eigentümer(in), unter Einschluss der Begriffe Eigentum, halten, gehalten, Eigentümerschaft oder ähnlicher Begriffe, bedeutet, wenn verwendet mit Bezug auf Aktien, jede Person, welche allein oder zusammen mit oder über Nahestehende Gesellschaften oder Nahestehende Personen: |
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Owner |
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2 |
Owner, including the terms Own, Owned and Ownership when used with respect to any Shares means a Person that individually or with or through any of its Affiliates or Associates: |
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(a) wirtschaftliche Eigentümerin dieser Aktien ist, ob direkt oder indirekt; |
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(a) beneficially Owns such Shares, directly or indirectly; |
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(b) (1) das Recht hat, aufgrund eines Vertrags, einer Absprache oder einer anderen Vereinbarung, oder aufgrund der Ausübung eines Wandel-, Tausch-, Bezugs- oder Optionsrechts oder anderweitig Aktien zu erwerben (unabhängig davon, ob dieses Recht sofort ausübbar ist oder nur nach einer gewissen Zeit); vorausgesetzt, dass eine Person nicht als Eigentümerin derjenigen Aktien gelten soll, die im Rahmen eines Übernahme- oder Umtauschangebots, das diese Person oder eine dieser Person Nahestehende Gesellschaft oder Nahestehende Person eingeleitet hat, angedient werden, bis diese Aktien zum Kauf oder Tausch akzeptiert werden; oder (2) das Recht hat, die Stimmrechte dieser Aktien aufgrund eines Vertrags, einer Absprache oder einer anderen Vereinbarung auszuüben; vorausgesetzt, dass eine Person nicht als Eigentümerin von Aktien gilt infolge des Rechts, das Stimmrecht auszuüben, soweit der diesbezügliche Vertrag, die diesbezügliche Absprache oder die diesbezügliche andere Vereinbarung nur aufgrund einer widerruflichen Vollmacht (proxy) oder Zustimmung zustande gekommen ist, und diese Vollmacht (proxy) oder Zustimmung in Erwiderung auf eine an 10 oder mehr Personen gemachte diesbezügliche Aufforderung ergangen ist; oder |
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(b) has (1) the right to acquire such Shares (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Owner of Shares tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such Person or any of such Persons Affiliates or Associates until such tendered Shares are accepted for purchase or exchange; or (2) the right to vote such Shares pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Owner of any Shares because of such Persons right to vote such Shares if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such Shares arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more Persons; or |
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(c) zwecks Erwerbs, Haltens, Stimmrechtsausübung (mit Ausnahme der Stimmrechtsausübung aufgrund einer widerruflichen Vollmacht (proxy) oder Zustimmung wie in Artikel 35 Abs. 2(b)(ii)(2) umschrieben) oder Veräusserung dieser Aktien mit einer anderen Person in einen Vertrag, eine Absprache oder eine andere Vereinbarung getreten ist, die direkt oder indirekt entweder selbst oder über ihr Nahestehende Gesellschaften oder Nahestehende Personen wirtschaftlich Eigentümerin dieser Aktien ist. |
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(c) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in Article 35 para. 2(b)(ii)(2)), or disposing of such Shares with any other Person that beneficially Owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, such Shares. |
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Gesellschaft |
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3 |
Der Begriff Gesellschaft hat die in Artikel 1 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Company |
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The term Company has the meaning assigned to it in Article 1 of these Articles of Association. |
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Kontrolle |
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Kontrolle, einschliesslich die Begriffe kontrollierend, kontrolliert von und unter gemeinsamer Kontrolle mit, bedeutet die Möglichkeit, direkt oder indirekt auf die Geschäftsführung und die Geschäftspolitik einer Person Einfluss zu nehmen, sei es aufgrund des Haltens von Stimmrechten, eines Vertrags oder auf andere Weise. Eine Person, welche 20% oder mehr der ausgegebenen oder ausstehenden Stimmrechte einer Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähigen Personengesellschaft oder eines anderen Rechtsträgers hält, hat mangels Nachweises des Gegenteils unter Anwendung des Beweismasses der überwiegenden Wahrscheinlichkeit der Beweismittel vermutungsweise Kontrolle über einen solchen Rechtsträger. Ungeachtet des Voranstehenden gilt diese Vermutung der Kontrolle nicht, wenn eine Person in Treu und Glauben und nicht zur Umgehung dieser Bestimmung Stimmrechte als Stellvertreter (agent), Bank, Börsenmakler (broker), Nominee, Depotbank (custodian) oder Treuhänder (trustee) für einen oder mehrere Eigentümer hält, die für sich allein oder zusammen als Gruppe keine Kontrolle über den betreffenden Rechtsträger haben. |
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Control |
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4 |
Control, including the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the Ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise. A Person who is the Owner of 20% or more of the issued or outstanding voting shares of any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such Person holds voting shares, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this provision, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more Owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity. |
Nahestehender Aktionär |
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Nahestehender Aktionär bedeutet jede Person (unter Ausschluss der Gesellschaft oder jeder direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird), (i) die Eigentümerin von 15% oder mehr der ausgegebenen Aktien ist, oder (ii) die als Nahestehende Gesellschaft oder Nahestehende Person anzusehen ist und irgendwann in den drei unmittelbar vorangehenden Jahren vor dem Zeitpunkt, zu dem bestimmt werden muss, ob diese Person ein Nahestehender Aktionär ist, Eigentümerin von 15% oder mehr der ausgegebenen Stimmrechte gewesen ist, ebenso wie jede Nahestehende Gesellschaft und Nahestehende Person dieser Person; vorausgesetzt, dass eine Person nicht als Nahestehender Aktionär gilt, die aufgrund von Handlungen, die ausschliesslich der Gesellschaft zuzurechnen sind, Eigentümerin von Aktien in Überschreitung der 15%-Beschränkung ist; wobei jedoch jede solche Person dann als Nahestehender Aktionär gilt, falls sie später zusätzliche Aktien erwirbt, ausser dieser Erwerb erfolgt aufgrund von weiteren Gesellschaftshandlungen, die weder direkt noch indirekt von dieser Person beeinflusst werden. Zur Bestimmung, ob eine Person ein Nahestehender Aktionär ist, sind die als ausgegeben geltenden Aktien unter Einschluss der von dieser Person gehaltenen Aktien (unter Anwendung des Begriffs gehalten wie in Artikel 35 Abs. 2 dieser Statuten definiert) zu berechnen, jedoch unter Ausschluss von nichtausgegebenen Aktien, die aufgrund eines Vertrags, einer Absprache oder einer anderen Vereinbarung, oder aufgrund der Ausübung eines Wandel-, Bezugs- oder Optionsrechts oder anderweitig ausgegeben werden können; |
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Interested Shareholder |
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Interested Shareholder means any Person (other than the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company) (i) that is the Owner of 15% or more of the issued Shares of the Company or (ii) that is an Affiliate or Associate of the Company and was the Owner of 15% or more of the issued Shares at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such Person is an Interested Shareholder, and also the Affiliates and Associates of such Person; provided, however, that the term Interested Shareholder shall not include any Person whose Ownership of Shares in excess of the 15% limitation is the result of action taken solely by the Company; provided that such Person shall be an Interested Shareholder if thereafter such Person acquires additional Shares, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person. For the purpose of determining whether a Person is an Interested Shareholder, the Shares deemed to be in issue shall include Shares deemed to be Owned by the Person (through the application of the definition of Owner in Article 35 para. 2 of these Articles of Association) but shall not include any other unissued Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. |
Nahestehende Gesellschaft |
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Nahestehende Gesellschaft bedeutet jede Person, die direkt oder indirekt über eine oder mehrere Mittelspersonen eine andere Person kontrolliert, von einer anderen Person kontrolliert wird, oder unter gemeineinsamer Kontrolle mit einer anderen Person steht. |
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Affiliate |
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Affiliate means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person. |
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Nahestehende Person |
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Nahestehende Person bedeutet, wenn verwendet zur Bezeichnung einer Beziehung zu einer Person, (i) jede Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähige Personengesellschaft oder ein anderer Rechtsträger, von welcher diese Person Mitglied des Leitungs- oder Verwaltungsorgans, der Geschäftsleitung oder Gesellschafter ist oder von welcher diese Person, direkt oder indirekt, Eigentümerin von 20% oder mehr einer Kategorie von Aktien oder anderer Anteilsrechte ist, die ein Stimmrecht vermitteln, (ii) jedes Treuhandvermögen (Trust) oder jede andere Vermögenseinheit, an der diese Person wirtschaftlich einen Anteil von 20% oder mehr hält oder in Bezug auf welche diese Person als Verwalter (trustee) oder in ähnlich treuhändischer Funktion tätig ist, und (iii) jeder Verwandte, Ehe- oder Lebenspartner dieser Person, oder jede Verwandte des Ehe- oder Lebenspartners, jeweils soweit diese den gleichen Wohnsitz haben wie diese Person. |
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Associate |
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Associate, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such Person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the Owner of 20% or more of any class of voting shares, (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such Person. |
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OR |
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Der Begriff OR hat die in Artikel 14 Abs. 2 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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CO |
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The term CO has the meaning assigned to it in Article 14 para. 2 of these Articles of Association. |
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Person |
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Person bedeutet jede natürliche Person, Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähige Personengesellschaft oder jeder andere Rechtsträger; |
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Person |
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Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity. |
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Rechte |
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Der Begriff Rechte hat die in Artikel 6 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Rights |
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The term Rights has the meaning assigned to it in Article 6 para. 1 of these Articles of Association. |
Mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen |
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Der Begriff mit Rechten verbundenen Obligationen hat die in Artikel 6 Abs. 1 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Rights-Bearing Obligations |
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The term Rights-Bearing Obligations has the meaning assigned to it in Article 6 para. 1 of these Articles of Association. |
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SEC |
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Der Begriff SEC hat die in Artikel 12 Abs. 2 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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The term SEC has the meaning assigned to it in Article 12 para. 2 of these Articles of Association. |
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Transfer Agent |
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Der Begriff Transfer Agent hat die in Artikel 8 Abs. 3 dieser Statuten aufgeführte Bedeutung. |
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Transfer Agent |
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The term Transfer Agent has the meaning assigned to it in Article 8 para. 3 of these Articles of Association. |
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Zusammenschluss |
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Zusammenschluss bedeutet, wenn im Rahmen dieser Statuten in Bezug auf die Gesellschaft oder einen Nahestehenden Aktionär der Gesellschaft verwendet: |
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Business Combination |
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14 |
Business Combination, when used in these Articles of Association in reference to the Company and any Interested Shareholder of the Company, means: |
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(a) Jede Fusion oder andere Form des Zusammenschlusses der Gesellschaft oder einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, mit (1) dem Nahestehenden Aktionär oder (2) einer anderen Kapitalgesellschaft, rechts- oder nicht-rechtsfähigen Personengesellschaft oder einem anderen Rechtsträger, soweit diese Fusion oder andere Form des Zusammenschlusses durch den Nahestehenden Aktionär verursacht worden ist und als Folge dieser Fusion oder anderen Form des Zusammenschlusses Artikel 19(f) und Artikel 20 Abs. 3 dieser Statuten (sowie jede der dazu gehörigen Definition in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten) oder im Wesentlichen gleiche Bestimmungen wie Artikel 19(f), Artikel 20 Abs. 3 (und die dazugehörigen Definitionen in Artikel 35 dieser Statuten auf den überlebenden Rechtsträger) nicht anwendbar sind; |
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(a) Any merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company with (1) the Interested Shareholder or (2) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the Interested Shareholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation Article 19(f) and Article 20 para. 3 of these Articles of Association (including the relevant definitions in Article 35 of these Articles of Association pertaining thereto) or a provision substantially the same as such Article 19(f) and Article 20 para. 3 (including the relevant definitions in Article 35) are not applicable to the surviving entity; |
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(b) jeder Verkauf, Vermietung oder Verpachtung, hypothekarische Belastung oder andere Verpfändung, Übertragung oder andere Verfügung (ob in einer oder mehreren Transaktionen), einschliesslich im Rahmen eines Tauschs, von Vermögenswerten der Gesellschaft oder einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, an einen Nahestehenden Aktionär (ausser soweit der Zuerwerb unter einer der genannten Transaktionen proportional als Aktionär erfolgt), soweit diese Vermögenswerte einen Marktwert von 10% oder mehr entweder des auf konsolidierter Basis aggregierten Marktwertes aller Vermögenswerte der Gesellschaft oder des aggregierten Marktwertes aller dann ausgegebenen Aktien haben, unabhängig davon, ob eine dieser Transaktionen Teil einer Auflösung der Gesellschaft ist oder nicht; |
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(b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a shareholder, to or with the Interested Shareholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Company or of any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the Shares then in issue; |
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(c) jede Transaktion, die dazu führt, dass die Gesellschaft oder eine direkte oder indirekte Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, Aktien oder Tochtergesellschafts-Aktien an den Nahestehenden Aktionär ausgibt oder überträgt, es sei denn (1) aufgrund der Ausübung, des Tauschs oder der Wandlung von Finanzmarktinstrumenten, die in Aktien oder Aktien einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, ausgeübt, getauscht oder gewandelt werden können, vorausgesetzt, die betreffenden Finanzmarktinstrumente waren zum Zeitpunkt, in dem der Nahestehende Aktionär zu einem solchem wurde, bereits ausgegeben; (2) als Dividende oder Ausschüttung an alle Aktionäre, oder aufgrund der Ausübung, des Tauschs oder der |
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(c) any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Company or by any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company of any Shares or shares of such subsidiary to the Interested Shareholder, except (1) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into Shares or the shares of a direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which securities were in issue prior to the time that the Interested Shareholder became such; (2) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into Shares or the shares of a direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of |
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Wandlung von Finanzmarktinstrumenten, die in Aktien oder Aktien einer direkten oder indirekten Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, ausgeübt, getauscht oder gewandelt werden können, vorausgesetzt, diese Finanzinstrumente werden allen Aktionäre anteilsmässig ausgegeben, nachdem der Nahestehende Aktionär zu einem solchem wurde; (3) gemäss einem Umtauschangebot der Gesellschaft, Aktien von allen Aktionären zu den gleichen Bedingungen zu erwerben; oder (4) aufgrund der Ausgabe oder der Übertragung von Aktien durch die Gesellschaft; vorausgesetzt, dass in keinem der unter (2) bis (4) genannten Fällen der proportionale Anteil des Nahestehenden Aktionärs an den Aktien erhöht werden darf; |
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the Company which security is distributed, pro rata, to all shareholders subsequent to the time the Interested Shareholder became such; (3) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Company to purchase Shares made on the same terms to all holders of said Shares; or (4) any issuance or transfer of Shares by the Company; provided, however, that in no case under (2)(4) above shall there be an increase in the Interested Shareholders proportionate interest in the Shares; |
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(d) jede Transaktion, in welche die Gesellschaft oder eine direkte oder indirekte Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, involviert ist, und die direkt oder indirekt dazu führt, dass der proportionale Anteil der vom Nahestehenden Aktionär gehaltenen Aktien, in Aktien wandelbare Obligationen oder Tochtergesellschafts-Aktien erhöht wird, ausser eine solche Erhöhung ist nur unwesentlich und die Folge eines Spitzenausgleichs für Fraktionen oder eines Rückkaufs oder einer Rücknahme von Aktien, soweit diese(r) weder direkt noch indirekt durch den Nahestehenden Aktionär verursacht wurde; oder |
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(d) any transaction involving the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate interest in the Shares, or securities convertible into the Shares, or in the shares of any such subsidiary which is Owned by the Interested Shareholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any Shares not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Shareholder; or |
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(e) jede direkte oder indirekte Gewährung von Darlehen, Vorschüssen, Garantien, Bürgschaften, oder garantieähnlicher Verpflichtungen, Pfändern oder anderen finanziellen Begünstigungen (mit Ausnahme einer solchen, die gemäss den Unterabschnitten (a) (d) dieses |
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(e) any receipt by the Interested Shareholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (a)(d) of this |
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Artikels 35 Abs. 14 ausdrücklich erlaubt ist sowie einer solchen, die proportional an alle Aktionäre erfolgt) durch die oder über die Gesellschaft oder eine direkte oder indirekte Tochtergesellschaft, die zur Mehrheit von der Gesellschaft gehalten wird, an den Nahestehenden Aktionär. |
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Article 35 para. 14) provided by or through the Company or any direct or indirect majority-Owned subsidiary of the Company. |
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Abschnitt 9: |
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Section 9: |
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Artikel 36 |
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Article 36 |
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Sacheinlage |
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Die Gesellschaft übernimmt bei der Kapitalerhöhung vom 19. Dezember 2008 von der Transocean Inc. in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (Transocean Inc.), gemäss Sacheinlagevertrag per 18. Dezember 2008 (Sacheinlagevertrag) 319228632 Aktien (ordinary shares) der Transocean Inc. Diese Aktien werden zu einem Übernahmewert von insgesamt CHF 16476107961.80 übernommen. Als Gegenleistung für diese Sacheinlage gibt die Gesellschaft einem Umtauschagenten, handelnd auf Rechnung der Aktionäre der Transocean Inc. im Zeitpunkt unmittelbar vor Vollzug des Sacheinlagevertrages und im Namen und auf Rechnung der Transocean Inc., insgesamt 335228632 voll einbezahlte Aktien mit einem Nennwert von insgesamt CHF 5028429480 aus. Die Gesellschaft weist die Differenz zwischen dem totalen Nennwert der ausgegebenen Aktien und dem Übernahmewert der Sacheinlage im Gesamtbetrag von CHF 11447678481.80 den Reserven der Gesellschaft zu. |
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Contribution in Kind |
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In connection with the capital increase of December 19, 2008, and in accordance with the contribution in kind agreement as of December 18, 2008 (the Contribution in Kind Agreement), the Company acquires 319,228,632 ordinary shares of Transocean Inc., Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (Transocean Inc.). The shares of Transocean Inc. are acquired for a total value of CHF 16,476,107,961.80. As consideration for this contribution, the Company issues to an exchange agent, acting for the account of the holders of ordinary shares of Transocean Inc. outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the Contribution in Kind Agreement and in the name and the account of Transocean Inc, a total of 335,228,632 fully paid Shares with a total par value of CHF 5,028,429,480. The difference between the aggregate par value of the issued Shares and the total value of CHF 11,447,678,481.80 is allocated to the reserves of the Company. |
Zug, 4. Dezember 2011 |
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Zug, December 4, 2011 |
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Steven L. Newman |
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Philippe A. Huber |
Exhibit 5.1
To:
Transocean Ltd. Turmstrasse 30 CH-6300 Zug Switzerland |
Homburger AG Prime Tower Hardstrasse 201 | CH8005 Zurich P.O. Box 314 | CH8037 Zurich
T +41 43 222 10 00 F +41 43 222 15 00 lawyers@homburger.ch |
December 5, 2011
318008 | Legal Opinion TO | equity - to legal opinion draft 120511.docx
Transocean Ltd.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Swiss counsel to Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the Company), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-169401) (the Registration Statement) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), a related prospectus, dated September 16, 2010, and prospectus supplement (the Prospectus Supplement), dated November 29, 2011 (together, the Prospectus), with respect to the issuance, offer and sale (the Offering) of 29,900,000 registered shares of the Company with a par value of CHF 15 each (the New Shares).
As such counsel, we have been requested to render an opinion in connection with certain matters of Swiss law.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Documents (as defined below) unless otherwise defined herein.
I. Basis of Opinion
This opinion is confined to and given on the basis of the laws of Switzerland in force at the date hereof. Such laws and the interpretation thereof are subject to change. In the absence of explicit statutory law, we base our opinion solely on our independent professional judgment. This opinion is also confined to the matters stated herein and is not to be read as extending, by implication or otherwise, to any other agreement or document referred to in any of the Documents (as defined below) or any other matter.
For purposes of giving this opinion, we have only examined originals or copies of the following documents (collectively the Documents):
(i) a copy of the public deed of incorporation (Gründungsurkunde) of the Company, dated as of August 14, 2008;
(ii) a legalized copy of the articles of association of the Company, dated December 4, 2011, in the form filed with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland, on December 5, 2011 (the Articles);
(iii) an excerpt from the journal (Tagebuchauszug) of the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, dated December 5, 2011, relating to the Company (the Excerpt);
(iv) an electronic copy of the organizational regulations (Organisationsreglement) of the Company, dated as of October 8, 2008 (the Organizational Regulations);
(v) an electronic copy of the register of uncertificated securities (Wertrechtebuch) of the Company, dated as of December 5, 2011, confirming the creation of, in the aggregate, 29,900,000 new uncertificated securities (Wertrechte) of the Company (the Uncertificated Securities Register);
(vi) an electronic copy of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; and
(vii) an electronic copy of (i) an excerpt from the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company dated May 13, 2011, (ii) the minutes of the resolutions of the board of directors of the Company, dated November 18, 2011, regarding, among other things, the authorization of the Offering and the actions to be taken in connection therewith, (iii) the minutes of the resolutions of the board of directors of the Company, dated November 18, 2011, regarding the capital increase based on the authorized share capital (Durchführungsbeschluss), (iv) the public deeds on the resolutions of the board of directors of the Company, dated November 29, 2011, and December 4, 2011, respectively, regarding the ascertainments regarding the authorized share capital increases (Feststellungsbeschluss), and (v) the minutes of the resolutions of the special committee of the board of directors of the Company, dated November 29, 2011, regarding, among other things, the launch of the Offering, the aggregate number of New Shares, and the general terms and conditions of the Offering (collectively the Resolutions).
No documents have been reviewed by us in connection with this opinion other than the Documents. Accordingly, we shall limit our opinion to the Documents and their legal implications under Swiss law.
In this opinion, Swiss legal concepts are expressed in English terms and not in their original language. These concepts may not be identical to the concepts described by the same English terms as they exist under the laws of other jurisdictions. With respect to Documents governed by laws other than the laws of Switzerland, for purposes of this opinion we have relied on the plain meaning of the words and expressions contained therein without regard to any import they may have under the relevant governing law.
II. Assumptions
In rendering the opinion below, we have assumed the following:
(a) all documents produced to us as originals are authentic and complete, and all documents produced to us as copies (including, without limitation, fax and electronic copies) conform to the original;
(b) all documents produced to us as originals and the originals of all documents produced to us as copies were effectively executed and certified, as applicable, in the manner and by the individuals appearing on such documents;
(c) except as expressly opined upon herein, all information contained in the Documents is, and all material statements given in connection with the Documents are, true and accurate;
(d) no laws other than those of Switzerland affect any of the conclusions stated in this opinion;
(e) all authorizations, approvals, consents, licenses, exemptions and other requirements, other than those required under Swiss law, for the offering, issuance and sale of the New Shares, for the filing of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, for the distribution of the Prospectus, or for any other activities carried out in view of, or in connection with, the performance of the obligations expressed to be undertaken by the Company in the Prospectus and the Offering, have been duly obtained and are and will remain in full force and effect, and any related conditions to which the parties thereto are subject have been satisfied;
(f) the Excerpt is correct, complete and up-to-date, and the Articles, the Organizational Regulations and the Uncertificated Securities Register are in full force and effect and have not been amended, and no shares of the Company have been issued based on the conditional share capital of the Company, other than as reflected in the number of shares as set forth in the Articles and the Excerpt; and
(g) the Resolutions (i) have been duly resolved in meetings duly convened and otherwise in the manner set forth therein, (ii) have not been rescinded or amended, and (iii) are in full force and effect.
III. Opinion
Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set out below, we are of the opinion as of the date hereof:
1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) under the laws of Switzerland with all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into, to perform and to conduct its business as described in the Articles.
2. The Companys share capital registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, as evidenced in the Excerpt, amounts to CHF 5,477,029,470, divided into 365,135,298 registered shares with a par value of CHF 15 each. The New Shares have been validly issued, fully paid and are non-assessable.
IV. Qualifications
The above opinion is subject to the following qualifications:
(a) The lawyers of our firm are members of the Zurich bar and do not hold themselves out to be experts in any laws other than the laws of Switzerland. Accordingly, we are opining herein as to Swiss law only and we express no opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
(b) We express no opinion as regards the withdrawal of shareholders preemptive rights (Bezugsrechte) in connection with the Offering.
(c) We express no opinion as to any commercial, financial, accounting, tax, calculating, auditing or other non-legal matter.
(d) We have not investigated or verified the truth or accuracy of the information contained in the Prospectus, nor have we been responsible for ensuring that no material information has been omitted from it.
* * *
We have rendered this opinion as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to advise you on changes relevant to this opinion that may thereafter be brought to our attention.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and to the reference to us under the heading Legal Matters in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required pursuant to Section 7 of the Act.
This opinion is furnished by us, as special Swiss counsel to the Company, in connection with the Offering.
This opinion shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Switzerland.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Homburger AG
Exhibit 8.1
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ONE SHELL PLAZA |
ABU DHABI |
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910 LOUISIANA |
AUSTIN |
HOUSTON, TEXAS |
BEIJING | |
77002-4995 |
DALLAS | |
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DUBAI | |
TEL +1 713.229.1234 |
HONG KONG | |
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FAX +1 713.229.1522 |
HOUSTON |
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www.bakerbotts.com |
LONDON |
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MOSCOW |
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NEW YORK |
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PALO ALTO |
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RIYADH |
December 5, 2011 |
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WASHINGTON |
Transocean Ltd.
Chemin de Blandonnet 10
CH-1214 Vernier, Switzerland
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as counsel to Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (TL), in connection with the issuance by TL of 29,900,000 shares (the Shares) pursuant to (i) the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-169401) (the Registration Statement) as filed by TL with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), and (ii) the related prospectus dated September 16, 2010, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement related to the Shares dated November 30, 2011 (as so supplemented, the Prospectus), as filed by TL with the SEC pursuant to Rule 425(b)(5) under the Act.
In providing this opinion, we have examined and are relying upon the truth and accuracy at all relevant times (provided that no assumption of accuracy is made as to the matters on which we are explicitly opining) of (i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the Prospectus, (iii) a certificate provided to us by a representative of TL, and (iv) such other records and documents as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to provide this opinion. In addition, we assume that (i) the transactions described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will take place as stated therein and (ii) any representations referred to in the immediately preceding sentence which are made to the best knowledge of or with any similar qualification are correct without such qualification. We have not, however, undertaken any independent investigation of any factual matter set forth in any of the foregoing.
Subject to the assumptions set forth above and to the qualifications and limitations set forth below, the discussion set forth in the Prospectus under the caption Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations, insofar as it concerns conclusions of law, constitutes our opinion as to the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Shares.
Our opinion is based on our interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, court decisions, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) and other applicable authorities, all as of the date hereof. There can be no assurance that future legislative, judicial, or administrative changes or interpretations will not adversely affect the accuracy of the conclusions set forth herein. Our opinion is rendered as of the date hereof, and we assume no
obligation to advise you of any change in fact, circumstances, or law which may alter, affect, or modify our opinion. Furthermore, our opinion is not binding on the IRS or a court. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert, or that a court will not sustain, a position contrary to our opinion if litigated.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion of counsel as Exhibit 8.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
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Sincerely, |
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/s/ Baker Botts L.L.P. |
Exhibit 8.2
Transocean Ltd. Turmstrasse 30 CH-6300 Zug Switzerland
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Homburger AG Prime Tower Hardstrasse 201 | CH8005 Zurich P.O. Box 314 | CH8037 Zurich
T +41 43 222 10 00 F +41 43 222 15 00 lawyers@homburger.ch |
December 5, 2011
318008 | Legal Opinion TO | equity - to legal opinion tax draft 120511.docx
Transocean Ltd.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Swiss counsel to Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the Company), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-169401) (the Registration Statement) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), a related prospectus, dated September 16, 2010, and prospectus supplement (the Prospectus Supplement), dated November 29, 2011 (together, the Prospectus), with respect to the issuance, offer and sale (the Offering) of 29,900,000 registered shares of the Company with a par value of CHF 15 each (the New Shares, and together with the previously issued shares of the Company the Shares).
As such counsel, we have been requested to render an opinion in connection with certain matters of Swiss law.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Documents (as defined below) unless otherwise defined herein.
I. Basis of Opinion
This opinion is confined to and given on the basis of the laws of Switzerland in force at the date hereof. Such laws and the interpretation thereof are subject to change. In the absence of explicit statutory law, we base our opinion solely on our independent professional judgment. This opinion is also confined to the matters stated herein and is not to be read as extending, by implication or
otherwise, to any other agreement or document referred to in any of the Documents (as defined below) or any other matter.
For purposes of giving this opinion, we have only examined originals or copies of the following documents (collectively the Documents):
(i) a legalized copy of the Articles of Association (Statuten) of the Company, dated December 4, 2011, in the form filed with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland, on December 5, 2011 (the Articles of Association);
(ii) an excerpt from the journal (Tagebuchauszug) of the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, dated December 5, 2011, relating to the Company (the Excerpt); and
(iii) an electronic copy of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
No documents have been reviewed by us in connection with this opinion other than the Documents. Accordingly, we shall limit our opinion to the Documents and their legal implications under Swiss law.
In this opinion, Swiss legal concepts are expressed in English terms and not in their original language. These concepts may not be identical to the concepts described by the same English terms as they exist under the laws of other jurisdictions. With respect to Documents governed by laws other than the laws of Switzerland, for purposes of this opinion we have relied on the plain meaning of the words and expressions contained therein without regard to any import they may have under the relevant governing law.
II. Assumptions
In rendering the opinion below, we have assumed the following:
(a) all documents produced to us as originals are authentic and complete, and all documents produced to us as copies (including, without limitation, fax and electronic copies) conform to the original;
(b) all documents produced to us as originals and the originals of all documents produced to us as copies were effectively executed and certified, as applicable, in the manner and by the individuals appearing on such documents;
(c) except as expressly opined upon herein, all information contained in the Documents is, and all material statements given in connection with the Documents are, true and accurate;
(d) no laws other than those of Switzerland affect any of the conclusions stated in this opinion; and
(e) all authorizations, approvals, consents, licenses, exemptions and other requirements for the offering, issuance and sale of the New Shares, for the filing of the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus, for the distribution of the Prospectus, or for any other activities carried out in view of, or in connection with, the performance of the obligations expressed to be undertaken by the Company in the Prospectus and the Offering, have been duly obtained and are and will remain in full force and effect, and any related conditions to which the parties thereto are subject have been satisfied; and
(a) the Excerpt is correct, complete and up-to-date, and the Articles of Association are in full force and effect and have not been amended.
III. Opinion
Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set out below, we are of the opinion as of the date hereof:
The statements set forth in the Prospectus under the caption Material Swiss Tax Consequences, insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain Swiss tax laws, regulations and regulatory practices referred to therein, constitute a fair summary of the principal Swiss tax consequences of an investment in the Shares.
IV. Qualifications
The above opinion is subject to the following qualifications:
(a) The lawyers of our firm are members of the Zurich bar and do not hold themselves out to be experts in any laws other than the laws of Switzerland. Accordingly, we are opining herein as to Swiss law only and we express no opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
(b) We express no opinion as to any commercial, financial, accounting, calculating, auditing or other non-legal matter.
(c) We have not investigated or verified the truth or accuracy of the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (except as described in our opinion in Section III above), nor have we been responsible for ensuring that no material information has been omitted from it.
* * *
We have rendered this opinion as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to advise you on changes relevant to this opinion that may thereafter be brought to our attention.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and to the reference to us under the heading Legal Matters in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving such
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required pursuant to Section 7 of the Act.
This opinion is furnished by us, as special Swiss counsel to the Company, in connection with the Offering.
This opinion shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Switzerland.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Homburger AG
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