Common use of Classification of Directors Clause in Contracts

Classification of Directors. In lieu of electing the entire number of directors annually, the Board of Directors may provide that the directors be divided into either two or three classes, each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible, the term of office of the directors of the first class to expire at the first annual meeting of shareholders after their election, that of the second class to expire at the second annual meeting after their election, and that of the third class, if any, to expire at the third annual meeting after their election. At each annual meeting after such classification, the number of directors equal to the number of the class whose term expires at the time of such meeting shall be elected to hold office until the second succeeding annual meeting, if there be two classes, or until the third succeeding annual meeting, if there be three classes.