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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2008

Registration No. 333-        

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   

2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

(713) 960-9111

   76-0346924

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

   (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)   

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Stephen Wallace, Esq.

Vice President, General Counsel and

Corporate Secretary

Westlake Chemical Corporation

2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

(713) 960-9111

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copy to:

Timothy S. Taylor, Esq.

Jason A. Rocha, Esq.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

910 Louisiana Street

One Shell Plaza

Houston, Texas 77002-4995

(713) 229-1234

 

Exact Name of Additional Registrants

   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation/Organization
   I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number

Geismar Holdings, Inc.

   Delaware    33-1036002

GVGP, Inc.

   Delaware    71-0921650

North American Bristol Corporation

   Delaware    76-0669252

North American Pipe Corporation

   Delaware    76-0370735

Van Buren Pipe Corporation

   Delaware    76-0441452

Westech Building Products, Inc.

   Delaware    76-0498816

Westech Profiles Limited

   Delaware    76-0636880

Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

   Delaware    76-0664309

Westlake Development Corporation

   Delaware    76-0666307

Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation

   Delaware    61-1513966

Westlake Longview Corporation

   Delaware    61-1496835

Westlake Management Services, Inc.

   Delaware    76-0321065

Westlake NG I Corporation

   Delaware    30-0343980

Westlake NG III Corporation

   Delaware    35-2330798

Westlake NG IV Corporation

   Delaware    35-2330799

Westlake NG V Corporation

   Delaware    35-2330801

Westlake Olefins Corporation

   Delaware    52-1629821

Westlake Petrochemicals LLC

   Delaware    76-0553330

Westlake Polymers LLC

   Delaware    76-0144230

Westlake PVC Corporation

   Delaware    76-0346192

Westlake Resources Corporation

   Delaware    76-0321064

Westlake Styrene LLC

   Delaware    76-0294926

Westlake Supply and Trading Company

   Delaware    76-0377613

Westlake Vinyl Corporation

   Delaware    76-0414632

Westlake Vinyls Company LP

   Delaware    06-1641487

Westlake Vinyls, Inc.

   Delaware    76-0542667

WPT LLC

   Delaware    76-0469048


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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:    From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are to be offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:  ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:  x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:  ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box:  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box:  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨

   Accelerated filer  x

Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

   Smaller reporting company  ¨

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered   Amount to
be Registered
  Proposed
Maximum Offering
Price per Share(1)
 

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate Offering Price

  Amount of
Registration Fee

Debt Securities

                   

Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share

                   

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

                   

Warrants

                   

Guarantees of Debt Securities(2)

          $750,000,000   (3)(4)(5)    

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share(6)

  4,500,000   $17.07   $  76,792,500        

Total

          $826,792,500       $32,493(7)
 
 
(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act, based on the average high and low reported sales prices of the common stock on The New York Stock Exchange on April 8, 2008.
(2) Geismar Holdings, Inc., GVGP, Inc., North American Bristol Corporation, North American Pipe Corporation, Van Buren Pipe Corporation, Westech Building Products, Inc., Westech Profiles Limited, Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., Westlake Development Corporation, Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation, Westlake Longview Corporation, Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake NG I Corporation, Westlake NG III Corporation, Westlake NG IV Corporation, Westlake NG V Corporation, Westlake Olefins Corporation, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Polymers LLC, Westlake PVC Corporation, Westlake Resources Corporation, Westlake Styrene LLC, Westlake Supply and Trading Company, Westlake Vinyl Corporation, Westlake Vinyls Company LP, Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and WPT LLC may fully and unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities of Westlake Chemical Corporation. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) no separate fee is payable with respect to the guarantees of the debt securities being registered.
(3) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act and exclusive of accrued interest, distributions and dividends, if any.
(4) In no event will the aggregate initial offering price of all securities issued from time to time by the Registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, as calculated pursuant to Rule 457, exceed $750,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies, foreign currency units or composite currencies. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering price of up to $750,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies, foreign currency units or composite currencies, less the dollar amount of any securities previously issued hereunder. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder or other securities.
(5) Pursuant to Rule 416, there is also being registered such indeterminate amount of securities as may from time to time be issuable as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or applicable antidilution provisions.
(6) Represents shares that may be sold from time to time by the securityholder named herein.
(7) Up to $74,734 of the registration fee previously paid with respect to $1,049,900,000 aggregate initial offering price of securities that were previously registered pursuant to Registration Statement File No. 333-124581 (initially filed by the Registrant on May 3, 2005) and not sold thereunder, may be used to offset future registration fees due under this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 457(p) of the Securities Act.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We and the selling stockholder may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion dated April 11, 2008

Prospectus

LOGO

Westlake Chemical Corporation

Debt Securities

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Warrants

We may issue and sell from time to time securities for a total offering price aggregating up to $750,000,000, and TTWF LP, our principal stockholder in which three of our directors have indirect ownership interests, may sell from time to time up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock. We will provide the specific terms of the securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WLK.”

Investing in our securities involves risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus before you make any investment in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined whether this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                      , 2008.


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About This Prospectus

   1

About Westlake Chemical Corporation

   1

The Subsidiary Guarantors

   2

Risk Factors

   3

Cautionary Statements About Forward Looking Statements

   7

Use Of Proceeds

   9

Ratio Of Earnings To Fixed Charges

   9

Description Of Debt Securities

   10

Description Of Capital Stock

   20

Description Of Warrants

   26

Selling Stockholder

   27

Plan Of Distribution

   28

Legal Opinions

   30

Experts

   30

Where You Can Find More Information

   30

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a “shelf” registration process. Using this process, we and the selling stockholder may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that may be offered. Each time securities are sold pursuant to this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement and, if applicable, a pricing supplement that will describe the specific terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement may also add to, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. Please carefully read this prospectus, the prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement together with the information contained in the documents we refer to under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information we have provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement. Neither we nor the selling stockholder have authorized any person, including any salesman or broker, to provide you with additional or different information. We and the selling stockholder are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement is accurate only as of the date on its cover page and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference.

ABOUT WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

We are a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of basic chemicals, vinyls, polymers and fabricated products. Our products include some of the most widely used chemicals in the world, which are fundamental to many diverse consumer and industrial markets, including flexible and rigid packaging, automotive products, coatings, residential and commercial construction as well as other durable and non-durable goods. We operate in two principal business segments, Olefins and Vinyls, and we are one of the few North American integrated producers of vinyls with substantial downstream integration into polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, fabricated products.

We began operations in 1986 after our first polyethylene plant, an Olefins segment business, near Lake Charles, Louisiana was acquired from Occidental Petroleum Corporation. We began our vinyls operations in

 

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1990 with the acquisition of a vinyl chloride monomer, or VCM, plant in Calvert City, Kentucky from the Goodrich Corporation. In 1992, we commenced our Vinyls segment fabricated products operations after acquiring three PVC pipe plants. Since 1986, we have grown rapidly into an integrated producer of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated products. We achieved this by acquiring 23 plants, constructing six new plants (including our joint venture in China) and completing numerous capacity or production line expansions.

We benefit from highly integrated production facilities that allow us to process raw materials into higher value-added chemicals and fabricated products. We have 11.1 billion pounds per year of active aggregate production capacity at 15 manufacturing sites in North America. We also have a 59% interest in a joint venture in China that operates a vinyls facility.

We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices located at 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056. Our telephone number at such address is (713) 960-9111.

THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

One or more of our subsidiaries Geismar Holdings, Inc., GVGP, Inc., North American Bristol Corporation, North American Pipe Corporation, Van Buren Pipe Corporation, Westech Building Products, Inc., Westech Profiles Limited, Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., Westlake Development Corporation, Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation, Westlake Longview Corporation, Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake NG I Corporation, Westlake NG III Corporation, Westlake NG IV Corporation, Westlake NG V Corporation, Westlake Olefins Corporation, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Polymers LLC, Westlake PVC Corporation, Westlake Resources Corporation, Westlake Styrene LLC, Westlake Supply and Trading Company, Westlake Vinyl Corporation, Westlake Vinyls Company LP, Westlake Vinyls, Inc. and WPT LLC may fully and unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities offered by this prospectus, as set forth in a related prospectus supplement. These subsidiaries are sometimes referred to in this prospectus as possible Subsidiary Guarantors. The term “Subsidiary Guarantors” with respect to a series of debt securities refers to those subsidiaries listed above that guarantee that series of debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will name the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, for that series of debt securities and will describe the terms of the guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the information provided elsewhere in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference before investing in our securities.

Risks Related to our Principal Stockholder

We will be controlled by our principal stockholder, TTWF LP, and its affiliates as long as they own a majority of our common stock, and our other stockholders will be unable to affect the outcome of stockholder voting during that time. Our interests may conflict with those of the principal stockholder affiliates, and we may not be able to resolve these conflicts on terms possible in arms-length transactions.

As long as TTWF LP, which as of the date of this prospectus owns approximately 70.1% of our common stock (the “principal stockholder” or the “selling stockholder”) and its affiliates (the “principal stockholder affiliates”) own a majority of our outstanding common stock, they will be able to exert significant control over us, and our other stockholders, by themselves, will not be able to affect the outcome of any stockholder vote. As a result, the principal stockholder, subject to any fiduciary duty owed to our minority stockholders under Delaware law, will be able to control all matters affecting us (some of which may present conflicts of interest), including:

 

   

the composition of our board of directors and, through the board, any determination with respect to our business direction and policies, including the appointment and removal of officers and the determination of compensation;

 

   

any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations or the acquisition or disposition of assets;

 

   

our financing decisions, capital raising activities and the payment of dividends; and

 

   

amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws.

The principal stockholder will be permitted to transfer a controlling interest in us without allowing our other stockholders to participate or realize a premium for their shares of common stock. A sale of a controlling interest to a third party may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our business and results of operations because the change in control may result in a change of management decisions and business policy. Because we have elected not to be subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the principal stockholder may find it easier to sell its controlling interest to a third party than if we had not so elected. See “Description of Capital Stock—Delaware Business Combination Statute” for a description of Section 203 and the potential positive and negative consequences, depending on the circumstances, of electing not to be subject to it.

In addition to any conflicts of interest that arise in the foregoing areas, our interests may conflict with those of the principal stockholder affiliates in a number of other areas, including:

 

   

business opportunities that may be presented to the principal stockholder affiliates and to our officers and directors associated with the principal stockholder affiliates, and competition between the principal stockholder affiliates and us within the same lines of business;

 

   

the solicitation and hiring of employees from each other; and

 

   

agreements with the principal stockholder affiliates relating to corporate services that may be material to our business.

We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts with the principal stockholder affiliates, and even if we do, the resolution may be less favorable than if we were dealing with an unaffiliated party, particularly if the

 

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conflicts are resolved while we are controlled by the principal stockholder affiliates. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the principal stockholder affiliates have no duty to refrain from engaging in activities or lines of business similar to ours and that the principal stockholder affiliates will not be liable to us or our stockholders for failing to present specified corporate opportunities to us. See “Description of Capital Stock—Transactions and Corporate Opportunities.”

Risks Related to the Common Stock

Substantial sales of our common stock by the principal stockholder or us could cause our stock price to decline and issuances by us may dilute our stockholders’ ownership interest in our company.

We are unable to predict whether significant amounts of our common stock will be sold by the principal stockholder. Any sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market by the principal stockholder or us, or the perception that these sales might occur, could lower the market price of our common stock. Further, if we issue additional equity securities to raise additional capital, our stockholders’ ownership interest in our company may be diluted and the value of their investment may be reduced.

The price of our common stock may be volatile.

The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are:

 

   

our operating and financial performance and prospects;

 

   

quarterly variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicators, such as earnings per share, net income and revenues;

 

   

changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports by analysts;

 

   

speculation in the press or investment community;

 

   

strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;

 

   

sales of our common stock by stockholders;

 

   

actions by institutional investors or by the principal stockholder;

 

   

fluctuations in oil and gas prices;

 

   

general market conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices; and

 

   

U.S. and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance.

The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has at times been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and, as a result, an investment in our common stock.

If we are unable to pay regular dividends on our common stock, our stockholders may not receive funds without selling their common stock.

Since our initial public offering, we have paid a regular quarterly dividend of at least $0.02125 per share to holders of our common stock. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends, and other considerations that our board of directors deems relevant. The agreements governing our 6 5/8% senior notes due 2016, 6 3/4% senior notes due 2032 and revolving credit facility also include limitations on our payment of dividends. Accordingly, our stockholders may have to sell some or all of their common stock in order to generate cash flow from their investment. Our stockholders may not receive a gain on their investment when they sell their common stock and they may lose the entire amount of the investment.

 

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Provisions in our charter documents or Delaware law may inhibit a takeover, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as Delaware corporate law, contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control or changes in our management that a stockholder might consider favorable. These provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some of our stockholders. If a change of control or change in management is delayed or prevented, the market price of our common stock could decline. Please read “Description of Capital Stock” for a description of these provisions.

Risks Related to the Debt Securities

Our holding company structure may affect our ability to make payments on the debt securities. Holders of debt securities may be structurally subordinated to the creditors of our subsidiaries.

We currently conduct our operations through subsidiaries, and our operating income and cash flow are generated by our subsidiaries. As a result, cash we obtain from our subsidiaries is the principal source of funds necessary to meet our debt service obligations. Contractual provisions or laws, as well as our subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries that we require to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the debt securities. In addition, holders of the debt securities will have a junior position to the claims of creditors, including trade creditors and tort claimants, of our subsidiaries to the extent that such subsidiaries do not guarantee such debt securities. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, holders of that subsidiary’s indebtedness and its trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of the subsidiary before any assets are made available for distribution to us.

A holder’s right to receive payments on the debt securities is effectively subordinated to the rights of our existing and future secured creditors. Further, the guarantees of the senior debt securities by the Subsidiary Guarantors are effectively subordinated to the guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness.

Holders of our secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors will have claims that are prior to the claims of holders of the senior debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing that other indebtedness. Notably, we and certain of our subsidiaries, including the Subsidiary Guarantors, are parties to a credit facility, which is secured by liens on, among other things, our accounts receivable, inventory and some fixed assets. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to that secured indebtedness. In the event of any distribution or payment of our assets in any foreclosure, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or other bankruptcy proceeding, holders of secured indebtedness will have prior claim to our assets that constitute their collateral. Holders of the senior debt securities will participate ratably with all holders of our senior unsecured indebtedness, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. We may apply proceeds of certain asset sales to reduce our secured indebtedness or other secured obligations, but such application will not permanently reduce our ability to incur secured indebtedness and other secured obligations under the indenture in the future. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the senior debt securities. As a result, holders of the senior debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of secured indebtedness.

A holder’s right to receive payments on the debt securities could be adversely affected if any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries declares bankruptcy, liquidates or reorganizes.

Some but not all of our subsidiaries may guarantee the debt securities. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, holders of that subsidiary’s indebtedness and its trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of the subsidiary before any assets are made available for distribution to us.

 

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Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees and require holders of the debt securities to return payments received from guarantors.

Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee could be voided or claims in respect of a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of the applicable guarantor if, among other things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the indebtedness evidenced by its guarantee, received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the incurrence of such guarantee and either:

 

   

was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence; or

 

   

was engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the guarantor’s remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or

 

   

intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature.

In addition, any payment by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee could be voided and required to be returned to the guarantor or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of the guarantor.

The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if, at the relevant time, the sum of its debts and other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the sum of its assets at a fair valuation, and a guarantor that was generally not then paying its debts as they became due would be presumed to be insolvent.

We may incur additional debt ranking equal to the debt securities.

If we incur any additional debt that ranks equally with the debt securities, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the debt securities in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding-up of our company. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to a holder of debt securities.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS ABOUT FORWARD- LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor provisions for forward-looking information. Certain of the statements contained in this prospectus are forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this prospectus that address activities, events or developments that we expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” “expected” or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:

 

   

future operating rates, margins, cash flow and demand for our products;

 

   

industry market outlook;

 

   

production capacities;

 

   

our ability to borrow additional funds under our credit facility;

 

   

our ability to meet our liquidity needs;

 

   

our intended quarterly dividends;

 

   

future capacity additions and expansions in the industry;

 

   

timing, size, scope, cost and other matters related to the project in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago;

 

   

timing and results of the planned expansions of our chlor-alkali and PVC resin units, building of a large diameter PVC plant at our Calvert City manufacturing complex and start-up of our PVC pipe facility in the western United States;

 

   

compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures, remedial actions and proceedings;

 

   

effects of pending legal proceedings; and

 

   

timing of and amount of capital expenditures.

We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

general economic and business conditions;

 

   

the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;

 

   

the availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and energy;

 

   

uncertainties associated with the United States and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions in the Middle East and elsewhere;

 

   

current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and regulatory actions and political unrest in other countries;

 

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industry production capacity and operating rates;

 

   

the supply/demand balance for our products;

 

   

competitive products and pricing pressures;

 

   

access to capital markets;

 

   

terrorist acts;

 

   

operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks);

 

   

changes in laws or regulations;

 

   

technological developments;

 

   

our ability to implement our business strategies; and

 

   

creditworthiness of our customers.

Many of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any of the factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Every forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities for general corporate purposes. These purposes may include:

 

   

repayment or refinancing of debt;

 

   

acquisitions;

 

   

working capital;

 

   

capital expenditures; and

 

   

repurchases and redemptions of securities.

Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of short-term indebtedness.

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any shares of our common stock that may be sold by the selling stockholder.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

We have presented in the table below our historical consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods shown.

 

     Years Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005    2004    2003

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   5.6x    10.1x    11.1x    5.1x    1.5x

We have computed the ratios of earnings to fixed charges by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, “earnings” consist of earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges and equity distributions less net capitalized interest and equity investment income. “Fixed charges” consist of interest expense, capitalized interest and that portion of operating lease rental expense (one-third) we have deemed to represent the interest factor of such expense.

No shares of our preferred stock are currently issued or outstanding, therefore no dividends accrued on any shares of our preferred stock for any period presented. Accordingly, the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The debt securities covered by this prospectus will be our general unsecured obligations. We will issue senior debt securities under an indenture dated as of January 1, 2006, as amended or supplemented from time to time, between us, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association), as trustee. We refer to this indenture as the senior indenture. We will issue subordinated debt securities under an indenture to be entered into among us, the possible Subsidiary Guarantors, and a trustee we will name in the prospectus supplement relating to subordinated debt securities. We refer to this indenture as the subordinated indenture. We refer to the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture collectively as the indentures. The indentures are substantially identical, except for provisions relating to subordination.

We have summarized material provisions of the indentures, the debt securities and the guarantees below. This summary is not complete. We have filed the form of the senior indenture and the form of the subordinated indenture with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement, and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you. Please read “Where You Can Find More Information.”

In this summary description of the debt securities, unless we state otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, all references to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Westlake Chemical Corporation only and not to any of its subsidiaries.

General

Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities that may be issued under that indenture, and neither limits the amount of other unsecured debt or securities that we may issue. We may issue debt securities under the indentures from time to time in one or more series. As of December 31, 2007, $499.3 million of senior debt securities were outstanding under the senior indenture, which includes $250.0 million principal amount of 6 5/8% senior notes due 2016 (less the unamortized discount of $0.7 million) and $250.0 million of 6 3/4% senior notes due 2032. No securities are outstanding under the subordinated indenture.

We are not obligated to issue all debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of that series, for the issuance of additional debt securities of that series. Additional debt securities of a particular series will have the same terms and conditions as outstanding debt securities of such series, except for the date of original issuance and the offering price, and will be consolidated with, and form a single series with, such outstanding debt securities.

The senior debt securities will constitute our senior unsecured indebtedness and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt and senior in right of payment to all of our subordinated indebtedness. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to, and thus have a junior position to, our secured indebtedness with respect to the assets securing that indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities will rank junior to all of our senior indebtedness and may rank equally with or senior to other subordinated indebtedness we may issue from time to time.

We currently conduct our operations through subsidiaries, and our operating income and cash flow are generated by our subsidiaries. As a result, cash we obtain from our subsidiaries is the principal source of funds necessary to meet our debt service obligations. Contractual provisions or laws, as well as our subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries that we require to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the debt securities. In addition, holders of the debt securities will have a junior position to the claims of creditors, including trade creditors and tort claimants, of our subsidiaries to the extent that such subsidiaries do not guarantee such debt securities.

 

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Neither indenture contains any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities in the event we participate in a highly leveraged transaction or upon a change of control. The indentures also do not contain provisions that give holders of the debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their securities in the event of a decline in our credit rating for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

Ranking

We and certain of our subsidiaries, including the Subsidiary Guarantors, are parties to a revolving credit facility, which is secured by liens on, among other things, our accounts receivable, inventory and some fixed assets. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to that secured indebtedness. As of December 31, 2007, we had $1.2 million of outstanding borrowings and outstanding letters of credit totaling $14.2 million under the revolving credit facility. In the event of any distribution or payment of our assets in any foreclosure, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or other bankruptcy proceeding, holders of secured indebtedness will have prior claim to our assets that constitute their collateral. Holders of the senior debt securities will participate ratably with all holders of our senior unsecured indebtedness, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Debt Securities—A holder’s right to receive payments on the debt securities is effectively subordinated to the rights of our existing and future secured creditors. Further, the guarantees of the senior debt securities by the Subsidiary Guarantors are effectively subordinated to the guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness.”

The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors. As of December 31, 2007, we had an aggregate of $510.2 million of unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities will generally be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt. As of December 31, 2007, we had an aggregate of $511.4 million of Senior Debt.

Terms

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

   

whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt securities;

 

   

the title of the debt securities;

 

   

the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

   

whether we will issue the debt securities in individual certificates to each holder or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities held by a depositary on behalf of holders;

 

   

the date or dates on which the principal of and any premium on the debt securities will be payable;

 

   

any interest rate, the date from which interest will accrue, interest payment dates and record dates for interest payments;

 

   

whether and under what circumstances we will pay any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

whether debt securities are entitled to any guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantors and the identity of any such Subsidiary Guarantors for that series and the terms of such guarantee if different than those set forth in the applicable indenture;

 

   

the place or places where payments on the debt securities will be payable;

 

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any provisions for optional redemption or early repayment;

 

   

any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to redeem, purchase or repay the debt securities;

 

   

the denominations in which we will issue the debt securities if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;

 

   

whether payments on the debt securities will be payable in foreign currency or currency unit or another form and whether payments will be payable by reference to any index or formula;

 

   

the portion of the principal amount of debt securities that will be payable if the maturity is accelerated, if other than the entire principal amount;

 

   

any additional means of defeasance of the debt securities, any additional conditions or limitations to defeasance of the debt securities or any changes to those conditions or limitations;

 

   

any changes or additions to the events of default or covenants described in this prospectus;

 

   

any restrictions or other provisions relating to the transfer or exchange of debt securities;

 

   

any terms for the conversion or exchange of the debt securities for other securities;

 

   

with respect to the subordinated indenture, any changes to the subordination provisions for the subordinated debt securities; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the applicable indenture.

We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount. These debt securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. If we sell these debt securities, we will describe in the prospectus supplement any material United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations.

If we sell any of the debt securities for any foreign currency or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, we will describe in the prospectus supplement the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.

Subordination

Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities will generally be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we may not make any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on the subordinated debt securities if:

 

   

we fail to pay the principal, interest, premium or any other amounts on any Senior Debt when due; or

 

   

we default in performing any other covenant (a “covenant default”) on any Senior Debt that we have designated if the covenant default allows the holders of that Senior Debt to accelerate the maturity of the Senior Debt they hold.

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, a covenant default will prevent us from paying the subordinated debt securities only for up to 179 days after holders of the designated Senior Debt give the trustee for the subordinated debt securities notice of the covenant default.

The subordination does not affect our obligation, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay, when due, the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities. In addition, the subordination does not prevent the occurrence of any default under the subordinated indenture.

 

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The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of Senior Debt that we may incur. As a result of the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, if we become insolvent, holders of subordinated debt securities may receive less on a proportionate basis than other creditors.

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, “Senior Debt” will mean,

 

   

all indebtedness or obligations for borrowed money;

 

   

all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments;

 

   

all obligations in respect of letters of credit or other similar instruments (or reimbursement obligations with respect thereto), other than standby letters of credit, bid or performance bonds and other obligations issued in the ordinary course of business to the extent not drawn or, to the extent drawn, if such drawing is reimbursed not later than the third business day following demand for reimbursement;

 

   

all obligations to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

   

all capitalized lease obligations;

 

   

all debt of other persons secured by a lien on any asset of ours, whether or not such debt is assumed by us; and

 

   

all debt of other persons guaranteed by us, to the extent of such guarantee;

unless the indebtedness states that it is not senior to the subordinated debt securities or our other junior debt.

Guarantees

Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, with respect to a series of senior debt securities will fully and unconditionally guarantee on an unsecured basis the full and prompt payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of that series when and as the payment becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or otherwise. As used in this prospectus, the term “Subsidiary Guarantors” with respect to a series of debt securities refers to those subsidiaries listed under “The Subsidiary Guarantors” that guarantee that series of debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will name the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, for that series of debt securities and will describe the terms of the guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors if they differ from the terms described in this prospectus. The guarantees provide that in the event of a default in the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on a debt security, the holder of that debt security may institute legal proceedings directly against the Subsidiary Guarantors to enforce the guarantees without first proceeding against us. If senior debt securities are so guaranteed, the guarantees will rank equally with all of the Subsidiary Guarantors’ other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding and senior to any subordinated debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors. If subordinated debt securities are so guaranteed, the guarantees will be subordinated to all of the Subsidiary Guarantors’ other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding.

The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its guarantee of the debt securities will be limited to the maximum amount that will not result in the obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantor under the guarantee constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law, after giving effect to:

 

   

all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the Subsidiary Guarantor; and

 

   

any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of the obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantor under its guarantee.

The guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor may be released under certain circumstances. If we exercise our legal or covenant defeasance option with respect to debt securities of a particular series as described below in “—Defeasance and Discharge,” then any Subsidiary Guarantor will be released with respect to that series.

 

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Further, if no default has occurred and is continuing under the applicable indenture, and to the extent not otherwise prohibited by the applicable indenture, a Subsidiary Guarantor will be unconditionally released and discharged from the guarantee:

 

   

automatically upon any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by way of merger or otherwise, to any person that is not our affiliate, of all of our equity interests in the Subsidiary Guarantor;

 

   

automatically upon the merger of the Subsidiary Guarantor into us or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or the liquidation and dissolution of the Subsidiary Guarantor; or

 

   

following delivery of a written notice by us to the trustee, upon the release of all guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantor of any debt of ours for borrowed money, except for any series of debt securities under the indenture.

Consolidation, Merger and Sales of Assets

The indentures generally permit a consolidation or merger involving us or the Subsidiary Guarantors. They also permit the Subsidiary Guarantors or us to sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. We and the Subsidiary Guarantors have agreed, however, that we will not consolidate with or merge into any entity or sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets to any entity unless:

 

  (1) either

 

   

we or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, are the continuing entity; or

 

   

in the case of us, the resulting entity is organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, and, in any case, the resulting entity assumes by a supplemental indenture the due and punctual payments on the debt securities and the performance of our covenants and obligations under the applicable indenture; and

 

  (2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default under the applicable indenture has occurred and is continuing or would result from the transaction.

This covenant will not apply to any merger of another entity into us. Upon any transaction of the type described in and effected in accordance with this section, the resulting entity will succeed to and be substituted for and may exercise all of our rights and powers under the indenture and the debt securities with the same effect as if the resulting entity had been named as us in the indenture. In the case of any asset transfer or disposition other than a lease, when the resulting entity assumes all of our obligations and covenants under the applicable indenture and the debt securities, we will be relieved of all such obligations.

Events of Default

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default with respect to a series of debt securities:

 

   

our failure to pay interest on any debt security of that series for 30 days when due;

 

   

our failure to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security of that series when due;

 

   

our failure to deposit any sinking fund payment for 30 days when due;

 

   

our failure to comply with any covenant or agreement in that series of debt securities or the applicable indenture (other than an agreement or covenant that has been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of other series of debt securities) for 60 days after written notice by the trustee or by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities issued under that indenture that are affected by that failure;

 

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specified events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Westlake Chemical Corporation or a Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to that series of debt securities that is a significant subsidiary (as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC, as in effect on the date of the applicable indenture);

 

   

if applicable, specified events involving the guarantees; and

 

   

any other event of default provided for that series of debt securities.

A default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be a default under any other series. If a default or event of default for any series of debt securities occurs, is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee will notify the holders of applicable debt securities within 90 days after it occurs. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any default or event of default, except in any payment on the debt securities, if the trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders of those debt securities.

If an event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the default (or, in some cases, 25% in principal amount of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may declare the principal of and all accrued and unpaid interest on those debt securities to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Westlake Chemical Corporation or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a significant subsidiary occurs, the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all the debt securities of that series will become immediately due and payable without any action on the part of the trustee or any holder. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the default (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may in some cases rescind this accelerated payment requirement and its consequences.

A holder of a debt security of any series issued under an indenture may pursue any remedy under that indenture only if:

 

   

the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;

 

   

the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

   

the holders offer to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

 

   

the trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and offer of indemnity; and

 

   

during that 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

This provision does not, however, affect the right of a holder of a debt security to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment.

In most cases, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless those holders have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it. Subject to this provision for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series (or of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) generally may direct the time, method and place of:

 

   

conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee; or

 

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exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee relating to or arising as a result of an event of default.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his own affairs.

The indentures require us to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to our performance of certain of our obligations under the indentures and as to any default in performance.

Modification and Waiver

We and the trustee may supplement or amend each indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series issued under that indenture that are affected by the amendment or supplement (voting as one class). Without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected, however, no modification may:

 

   

reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

   

reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on the debt security;

 

   

reduce the principal of the debt security or change its stated maturity;

 

   

reduce any premium payable on the redemption of the debt security or change the time at which the debt security may or must be redeemed;

 

   

change any obligation to pay additional amounts on the debt security;

 

   

make payments on the debt security payable in currency other than as originally stated in the debt security;

 

   

impair the holder’s right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the debt security;

 

   

make any change in the percentage of principal amount of debt securities necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to make any change in the provision related to modification;

 

   

with respect to the subordinated indenture, modify the provisions relating to the subordination of any subordinated debt security in a manner adverse to the holder of that security;

 

   

waive a continuing default or event of default regarding any payment on the debt securities; or

 

   

if applicable, make any change that materially and adversely affects the right to convert any debt security.

We and the trustee may supplement or amend each indenture or waive any provision of that indenture without the consent of any holders of debt securities issued under that indenture in certain circumstances, including:

 

   

to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;

 

   

to provide for the assumption of our obligations under the indenture by a successor upon any merger, consolidation or asset transfer permitted under the indenture;

 

   

to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities or to provide for bearer debt securities;

 

   

to provide any security for, or to add any guarantees of or obligors on, any series of debt securities;

 

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to comply with any requirement to effect or maintain the qualification of that indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;

 

   

to add covenants that would benefit the holders of any debt securities or to surrender any rights we have under the indenture;

 

   

to add events of default with respect to any series of debt securities;

 

   

to make any change that does not adversely affect any outstanding debt securities of any series issued under that indenture in any material respect; and

 

   

to establish the form or terms of any debt securities and to accept the appointment of a successor trustee, each as permitted under the indenture.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may waive any existing or past default or event of default with respect to those debt securities. Those holders may not, however, waive any default or event of default in any payment on any debt security or compliance with a provision that cannot be amended or supplemented without the consent of each holder affected.

Defeasance and Discharge

Defeasance. When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under an indenture. If we deposit with the trustee under an indenture any combination of money or government securities sufficient to make payments on the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture on the dates those payments are due, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

 

   

we and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if applicable, will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of that series (“legal defeasance”); or

 

   

we and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if applicable, will no longer have any obligation to comply with specified restrictive covenants with respect to the debt securities of that series, the covenant described under “—Consolidation, Merger and Sales of Assets” and other specified covenants under the applicable indenture, and the related events of default will no longer apply (“covenant defeasance”).

If a series of debt securities is defeased, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not be entitled to the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities or maintain paying agencies and hold money for payment in trust. In the case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities, and if applicable, the Subsidiary Guarantors’ guarantees of the payments, will also survive.

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the debt securities to recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that the holders would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related defeasance had not occurred. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

Under current U.S. federal income tax law, legal defeasance would likely be treated as a taxable exchange of debt securities to be defeased for interests in the defeasance trust. As a consequence, a United States holder would recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the holder’s cost or other tax basis for the debt securities and the value of the holder’s interest in the defeasance trust, and thereafter would be required to include in income a share of the income, gain or loss of the defeasance trust. Under current U.S. federal income tax law, covenant defeasance would not be treated as a taxable exchange of such debt securities.

 

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Satisfaction and Discharge. In addition, an indenture will cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture, subject to exceptions relating to compensation and indemnity of the trustee under that indenture and repayment to us of excess money or government securities, when:

 

   

either

 

  (a) all outstanding debt securities of that series have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

 

  (b) all outstanding debt securities of that series not delivered to the trustee for cancellation either:

 

   

have become due and payable,

 

   

will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year, or

 

   

are to be called for redemption within one year; and

 

   

we have deposited with the trustee any combination of money or government securities in trust sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on the debt securities of that series when due; and

 

   

we have paid all other sums payable by us with respect to the debt securities of that series.

Governing Law

New York law will govern the indentures, the debt securities and the guarantees.

The Trustees

The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association) acts as the trustee under our senior indenture. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. will act as the trustee with respect the senior debt securities described in such prospectus supplement. We will name the trustee under a subordinated indenture in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Each indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, if it or any of its affiliates is then our creditor or, if applicable, a creditor of a Subsidiary Guarantors, to obtain payment of claims or to realize on certain property received for any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates are permitted to engage in other transactions with us, and, if applicable, the Subsidiary Guarantors. If, however, the trustee acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate that conflict or resign within 90 days after ascertaining that it has a conflicting interest and after the occurrence of a default under the applicable indenture, unless the default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated within the 90-day period.

Payments and Paying Agents

Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will make payments on the debt securities in U.S. dollars at the office of the trustee and any paying agent. At our option, however, payments may be made by wire transfer for global debt securities or by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the payment as it appears in the security register. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment.

Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as the paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that indenture. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

 

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If the principal of or any premium or interest on debt securities of a series is payable on a day that is not a business day, the payment will be made on the following business day. For these purposes, unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, a “business day” is any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in any of New York, New York, Houston, Texas or a place of payment on the debt securities of that series is authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to us upon written request any money held by them for payments on the debt securities that remains unclaimed for two years after the date upon which that payment has become due. After payment to us, holders entitled to the money must look to us for payment. In that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with respect to that money will cease.

Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer

We will issue the debt securities in registered form, without interest coupons. Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, the same total principal amount and the same terms but in different authorized denominations in accordance with the applicable indenture. Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent designated by us. The security registrar or transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange if its requirements and the requirements of the applicable indenture are met. We will not charge a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities. We may, however, require payment of any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable for that registration.

We will appoint the trustee as security registrar for the debt securities. If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agents we initially designate, we may at any time rescind that designation or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We are required to maintain an office or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

In the case of any redemption of debt securities of a series or any repurchase of debt securities of a series required under the terms of the series, we will not be required to register the transfer or exchange of:

 

   

any debt security of that series during a period beginning 15 business days prior to the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption or repurchase and ending on the close of business on the day of mailing of such notice; or

 

   

any debt security of that series that has been called for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part.

Book-Entry Debt Securities

We may issue the debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global debt securities that would be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the prospectus supplement. We may issue global debt securities in either temporary or permanent form. We will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global debt security.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following descriptions are summaries of material terms of our common stock, preferred stock, amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. Copies of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws have been incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you are urged to review these documents. Please read “Where You Can Find More Information.”

As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized capital stock consists of 150 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Common Stock

Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters on which holders are permitted to vote, including the election of directors. There are no cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the total votes entitled to vote in an election of directors will be able to elect all of the directors standing for election. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of the common stock will share equally on a per share basis any dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. If we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to a ratable share of any distribution to stockholders, after satisfaction of all of our liabilities and of the prior rights of any outstanding class of our preferred stock. Our common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the authority, without stockholder approval, to issue shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares and terms of each such series. The board may determine the designation and other terms of each series, including the following:

 

   

dividend rates,

 

   

whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative,

 

   

redemption rights,

 

   

liquidation rights,

 

   

sinking fund provisions,

 

   

conversion or exchange rights, and

 

   

voting rights.

The issuance of preferred stock, while providing us with flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other transactions, could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock. It could also affect the likelihood that holders of our common stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation.

The issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase shares of preferred stock, could be used to discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company. For example, if, in the exercise of its fiduciary obligations, our board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in the best interest of our stockholders, the board could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock containing class

 

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voting rights that would enable the holder or holders of this series to prevent a change of control transaction or make it more difficult. Alternatively, a change of control transaction deemed by the board to be in the best interest of our stockholders could be facilitated by issuing a series of preferred stock having sufficient voting rights to provide a required percentage vote of the stockholders.

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of preferred stock that we may offer will include specific terms relating to the offering. We will file a form of certificate of designation with the SEC, and you should read the certificate of designation for provisions that may be important to you. The prospectus supplement will summarize the general terms of any such series of preferred stock.

Charter and Bylaw Provisions

Election and Removal of Directors

Our board of directors consists of between one and 11 directors, excluding any directors elected by holders of preferred stock pursuant to provisions applicable in the case of defaults. The exact number of directors will be fixed from time to time by resolution of the board. Our board of directors is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, with only one class being elected each year by our stockholders. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of directors whose terms have expired. This system of electing and removing directors may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors. In addition, no director may be removed except for cause, and directors may be removed for cause by an affirmative vote of shares representing a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Any vacancy occurring on the board of directors and any newly created directorship may only be filled by a majority of the remaining directors in office.

Stockholder Meetings

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the chairman of our board of directors or a majority of the directors. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws specifically deny any power of any other person to call a special meeting.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that holders of our common stock will not be able to act by written consent without a meeting, unless such consent is unanimous.

Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation

The provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described above under “—Election and Removal of Directors,” “—Stockholder Meetings” and “—Stockholder Action by Written Consent” may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 75% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class. The affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of stock is generally required to amend other provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Amendment of Bylaws

Our amended and restated bylaws may generally be altered, amended or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted, with:

 

   

the affirmative vote of a majority of directors present at any regular or special meeting of the board of directors called for that purpose, provided that any alteration, amendment or repeal of, or adoption of

 

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any bylaw inconsistent with specified provisions of the bylaws, including those related to special and annual meetings of stockholders, action of stockholders by written consent, classification of the board of directors, nomination of directors, special meetings of directors, removal of directors, committees of the board of directors and indemnification of directors and officers, requires the affirmative vote of at least 75% of all directors in office at a meeting called for that purpose, or

 

   

the affirmative vote of holders of 75% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class.

Other Limitations on Stockholder Actions

Our amended and restated bylaws also impose some procedural requirements on stockholders who wish to:

 

   

make nominations in the election of directors,

 

   

propose that a director be removed,

 

   

propose any repeal or change in our bylaws, or

 

   

propose any other business to be brought before an annual or special meeting of stockholders.

Under these procedural requirements, in order to bring a proposal before a meeting of stockholders, a stockholder must deliver timely notice of a proposal pertaining to a proper subject for presentation at the meeting to our corporate secretary along with the following:

 

   

a description of the business or nomination to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting,

 

   

the stockholder’s name and address,

 

   

the number of shares beneficially owned by the stockholder and evidence of such ownership, and

 

   

the names and addresses of all persons with whom the stockholder is acting in concert and a description of all arrangements and understandings with those persons, and the number of shares such persons beneficially own.

To be timely, a stockholder must generally deliver notice:

 

   

in connection with an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than 120 nor more than 180 days prior to the date on which the annual meeting of stockholders was held in the immediately preceding year, but in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary date of the preceding annual meeting of stockholders, a stockholder notice will be timely if received by us not later than the close of business on the later of (1) the 120th day prior to the annual meeting and (2) the 10th day following the day on which we first publicly announce the date of the annual meeting, or

 

   

in connection with the election of a director at a special meeting of stockholders, not less than 40 nor more than 60 days prior to the date of the special meeting, but in the event that less than 55 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the special meeting of the stockholders is given or made to the stockholders, a stockholder notice will be timely if received by us not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which a notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed to the stockholders or the public disclosure of that date was made.

In order to submit a nomination for our board of directors, a stockholder must also submit any information with respect to the nominee that we would be required to include in a proxy statement, as well as some other information. If a stockholder fails to follow the required procedures, the stockholder’s proposal or nominee will be ineligible and will not be voted on by our stockholders.

 

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Limitation on Liability of Directors

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director will be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director, except as required by applicable law, as in effect from time to time. Currently, Delaware law requires that liability be imposed for the following:

 

   

any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to our company or our stockholders,

 

   

any act or omission not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,

 

   

unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and

 

   

any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we will indemnify any officer or director of our company against all damages, claims and liabilities arising out of the fact that the person is or was our director or officer, or served any other enterprise at our request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary. We will reimburse the expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by a person indemnified by this provision when we receive an undertaking to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by us. Amending this provision will not reduce our indemnification obligations relating to actions taken before an amendment.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Some Provisions

Some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make the following more difficult:

 

   

acquisition of control of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise, or

 

   

removal of our incumbent officers and directors.

These provisions, as well as our ability to issue preferred stock, are designed to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection give us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us, and that the benefits of this increased protection outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals, because negotiation of those proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Transactions and Corporate Opportunities

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes provisions that regulate and define the conduct of specified aspects of the business and affairs of our company. These provisions serve to determine and delineate the respective rights and duties of our company, our principal stockholder, TTWF LP, and its direct and indirect equity owners and directors, officers, employees, partners or equity owners of such entities (the “principal stockholder affiliates”), and some of our directors and officers in anticipation of the following:

 

   

the principal stockholder affiliates serving as our directors and/or officers,

 

   

the principal stockholder affiliates engaging in lines of business that are the same as, or similar to, our lines of business,

 

   

the principal stockholder affiliates having an interest in the same areas of corporate opportunity as we have, and

 

   

we and the principal stockholder affiliates engaging in material business transactions.

 

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We may enter into agreements with the principal stockholder affiliates to engage in any transaction. We may also enter into agreements with the principal stockholder affiliates to compete or not to compete with each other, including agreements to allocate, or to cause our directors, officers and employees and the principal stockholder affiliates to allocate, opportunities between the principal stockholder affiliates and us. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no such agreement will be considered contrary to any fiduciary duty of the principal stockholder affiliates, as our direct and indirect controlling stockholders, or our directors, officers or employees. Neither the principal stockholder affiliates nor any of our directors, officers or employees who are also principal stockholder affiliates are under any fiduciary duty to us to refrain from acting on our behalf or on behalf of the principal stockholder affiliates in respect of any such agreement or transaction. These provisions are generally subject to the corporate opportunity obligations described below with which the principal stockholder affiliates and our officers and directors who are also principal stockholder affiliates must comply.

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the principal stockholder affiliates have no duty to refrain from engaging in activities or lines of business similar to ours or from doing business with any of our clients, customers or vendors and, except as discussed in the above paragraph, the principal stockholder affiliates will not be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder by reason of any of these activities. In addition, if the principal stockholder affiliates or one of our directors or officers who is also a principal stockholder affiliate acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both our company and the principal stockholder affiliates, then neither the principal stockholder affiliates nor any such person will have a duty to communicate or offer this corporate opportunity to us and will not be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that the principal stockholder affiliates pursue or acquire the corporate opportunity for themselves, direct the corporate opportunity to another person or do not communicate information regarding the corporate opportunity to us, so long as the principal stockholder affiliates act in a manner consistent with the following policy: A corporate opportunity offered to the principal stockholder affiliates or to any person who is one of our officers or directors and who is also a principal stockholder affiliate will belong to the principal stockholder affiliates, unless the opportunity was expressly offered in writing to the principal stockholder affiliates solely in their capacity as direct and indirect stockholders of our company or to that person solely in his or her capacity as one of our directors or officers.

Anyone becoming one of our stockholders will be deemed to have notice of and consented to these provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that in no event shall any amendment of these provisions subject any principal stockholder affiliate to liability for any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment for which such person would be deemed not to be liable under these provisions prior to such amendment.

Delaware Business Combination Statute

We have expressly elected not to be subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which is described below. However, our stockholders can amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws to elect to be subject to Section 203. Section 203 provides that, subject to specified exceptions, an interested stockholder of a Delaware corporation is not permitted to engage in any business combination, including mergers or consolidations or acquisitions of additional shares of the corporation, with the corporation for a three-year period following the time that stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless one of the following conditions is met:

 

   

prior to the time the stockholder became an interested stockholder, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder’s becoming an interested stockholder,

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder’s becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than statutorily excluded shares, or

 

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on or subsequent to the time the stockholder became an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2 / 3 % of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Except as otherwise set forth in Section 203, “interested stockholder” means:

 

   

any person that is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within three years immediately prior to the date of determination, and

 

   

the affiliates and associates of any such person.

If we ever become subject to Section 203, it may be more difficult for a person who is an interested stockholder to effect various business combinations with us for the applicable three-year period. Section 203, if it becomes applicable, also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that Section 203, if it becomes applicable, could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which our stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests. The provisions of Section 203, if it becomes applicable, may cause persons interested in acquiring us to negotiate in advance with our board of directors. The restrictions on business combinations set forth in Section 203 are not applicable to the principal stockholder so long as the principal stockholder holds 15% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock. Because we are not currently subject to Section 203, the principal stockholder, as a controlling stockholder, may find it easier to sell its controlling interest to a third party because Section 203 would not apply to the third party.

Listing of Common Stock

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WLK.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities or any combination of the foregoing. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. Warrants sold with other securities may be attached to or separate from the other securities. We will issue warrants under one or more warrant agreements between us and a warrant agent that we will name in the prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will include specific terms relating to the offering. We will file the form of any warrant agreement with the SEC, and you should read the warrant agreement for provisions that may be important to you. The prospectus supplement will include some or all of the following terms:

 

   

the title of the warrants;

 

   

the aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

   

the designation, number and terms of the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants, and procedures by which those numbers may be adjusted;

 

   

the exercise price of the warrants;

 

   

the dates or periods during which the warrants are exercisable;

 

   

the designation and terms of any securities with which the warrants are issued;

 

   

if the warrants are issued as a unit with another security, the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the other security will be separately transferable;

 

   

if the exercise price is not payable in U.S. dollars, the foreign currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the exercise price is denominated;

 

   

any minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at any one time; and

 

   

any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange or exercise of the warrants.

 

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SELLING STOCKHOLDER

In addition to covering the issuance and sale of securities by us, this prospectus covers the possible sale from time to time of up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock by the selling stockholder listed below. As used in this prospectus, “selling stockholder” includes the successors-in-interest, donees, transferees or others who may later hold the selling stockholder’s interests and who will be named in a supplement to this prospectus.

The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2008 regarding the beneficial ownership of the common stock held by the selling stockholder. Since the selling stockholder may sell none, all, or a portion of the 4,500,000 shares of our common stock included in the prospectus, no meaningful estimate can be given as to the amount or percentage of shares that will be held by the selling stockholder after completion of any sale by the selling stockholder.

 

Name and Address

 

Number of Shares

 

Percent of Stock (1)

TTWF LP(2)(3)

  46,005,277   70.1%

 

(1) Calculated as of March 31, 2008 based on 65,634,601 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

(2) The address of the selling stockholder is 2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056. The selling stockholder may be deemed an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to sales of the shares listed above.

 

(3) Two trusts for the benefit of members of the Chao family, including James Chao, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dorothy Jenkins, a director, and Albert Chao, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a director, are the managers of TTWFGP LLC, which is a general partner of TTWF LP. The limited partners of TTWF LP are five trusts principally for the benefit of members of the Chao family, including James Chao, Dorothy Jenkins and Albert Chao, and two corporations owned, indirectly or directly, by certain of these trusts and by other entities owned by members of the Chao family, including James Chao, Dorothy Jenkins and Albert Chao. TTWF LP and TTWFGP LLC each have shared voting power and shared dispositive power over the 46,005,277 shares. James Chao has sole voting power over 85,631 shares, sole dispositive power over 74,633 shares, shared voting power over 46,005,277 shares and shared dispositive power over 46,090,277 shares. Dorothy C. Jenkins has sole voting power over 10,629 shares, sole dispositive power over 8,892 shares and shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 46,005,277 shares. Albert Chao has sole voting power over 85,528 shares and sole dispositive power over 70,545 shares and shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 46,005,277 shares. James Chao, Dorothy C. Jenkins and Albert Chao disclaim beneficial ownership of the 46,005,277 shares held by TTWF except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest therein.

Registration Rights Agreement

We are party to a registration rights agreement with the selling stockholder under which we have agreed, at the request of the selling stockholder, to use our best efforts to register shares of our common stock that are held by the selling stockholder for public sale under the Securities Act. As long as the selling stockholder owns a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock, there is no limit to the number of registrations that it may request. Once the selling stockholder owns less than a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock, it can request a total of five additional registrations. We have also agreed to provide the selling stockholder and its permitted transferees with “piggy-back” rights to include its shares in registrations of our common stock under the Securities Act. There is no limit on the number of these “piggy-back” registrations in which the selling stockholder may request its shares be included. These rights will terminate once the selling stockholder is able to dispose of all of its shares of our common stock within a three-month period pursuant to the exemption from registration provided under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. We have agreed to cooperate in these registrations and related offerings. We and the selling stockholder have agreed to restrictions on the ability of each party to sell securities following registrations requested by either party. The shares that may be sold by the selling stockholder hereunder are included in this prospectus pursuant to the registration rights agreement.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We and the selling stockholder may sell the securities in and outside the United States (a) through underwriters or dealers, (b) directly to purchasers or (c) through agents. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

 

   

the terms of the offering;

 

   

the names of any underwriters or agents;

 

   

the purchase price of the securities from us or the selling stockholder and, if the purchase price is not payable in U.S. dollars, the currency or composite currency in which the purchase price is payable;

 

   

the net proceeds to us or the selling stockholder from the sale of securities;

 

   

any delayed delivery arrangements;

 

   

any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;

 

   

the initial public offering price;

 

   

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

   

any commissions paid to agents.

Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers

If we or the selling stockholder use underwriters in the sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, which means that selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if the offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue these activities at any time.

If we or the selling stockholder use dealers in the sale of securities, the securities will be sold directly to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The dealers participating in any sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any sale of those securities. We will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.

 

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Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents

We or the selling stockholder may sell the securities directly. In that event, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We or the selling stockholder may also sell the securities through agents designated from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable by us or the selling stockholder to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

We or the selling stockholder may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any sale of those securities. We or the selling stockholder will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

Private Sales

The shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus that may be sold by the selling stockholder qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold by the selling stockholder under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we or the selling stockholder may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

Remarketing

We may offer and sell any of the securities in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment by their terms or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. We will identify any remarketing firm, the terms of any remarketing agreement and the compensation to be paid to the remarketing firm in the prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act of 1933.

Derivative Transactions

We or the selling stockholder may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock.

We, the selling stockholder or one of our respective affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.

The third parties in any of the sale transactions described above will be underwriters and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

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General Information

We or the selling stockholder may have agreements with the agents, dealers and underwriters to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.

Pursuant to the registration rights agreement described under “Selling Stockholder,” we have agreed to pay all of the costs, fees and expenses incurred by us incident to our registration of the resale of the selling stockholder’s common stock, as well as legal fees and expenses of counsel to the selling stockholder. We will not pay any commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents with respect to shares of our common stock sold by the selling stockholder.

LEGAL OPINIONS

Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas. Any underwriters will be advised about other issues relating to any offering by their own legal counsel, which firm will be named in the related prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1850, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain information about the operation of the SEC’s public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a Web site that contains information we file electronically with the SEC, which you can access over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. You can obtain information about us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

Our Web site is located at http: //www.westlake.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC are available, free of charge, through our Web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports or filings are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on our Web site or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC relating to the securities we and the selling stockholder may sell. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement, the exhibits and the schedules for more information about us, the selling stockholder and our securities. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules are available at the SEC’s public reference room or through its Web site.

 

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We are incorporating by reference information we file with the SEC, which means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC automatically will update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all the securities:

 

   

our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007; and

 

   

the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on July 30, 2004, as we may update that description from time to time.

We also are incorporating by reference all additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement.

You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to those filings unless we have specifically incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing), at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Westlake Chemical Corporation

2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (713) 960-9111

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the estimated expenses payable by Westlake Chemical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Westlake”), in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement.

 

Registration fee

   $ 32,493 (1)

Printing expenses

     100,000  

Accounting fees and expenses

     100,000  

Legal fees and expenses

     100,000  

Trustee fees and expenses

     20,000  

Rating agency fees

     350,000  

Miscellaneous

     97,507  
        

Total

   $ 800,000  

 

(1) Up to $74,734 of the registration fee previously paid with respect to $1,049,900,000 aggregate initial offering price of securities that were previously registered pursuant to Registration Statement File No. 333-124581 (initially filed by the Registrant on May 3, 2005) and not sold thereunder, may be used to offset future registration fees due under this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 457(p) of the Securities Act.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Delaware Corporations. Delaware law permits a corporation to adopt a provision in its certificate of incorporation eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director, but not an officer in his or her capacity as such, to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for (1) any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) liability under section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) for unlawful payment of dividends or stock purchases or redemptions or (4) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Westlake provides that, to the fullest extent of Delaware law, no Westlake director shall be liable to Westlake or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any type of proceeding, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, because he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other entity, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such proceeding if: (1) he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (2) with respect to any criminal proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit brought by or in the right of the corporation because he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other entity, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification will be made if the person is found liable to the corporation unless, in such a case, the court

 

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determines the person is nonetheless entitled to indemnification for such expenses. A corporation must also indemnify a present or former director or officer who has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her. Expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by a director or officer, or any employees or agents as deemed appropriate by the board of directors, in defending civil or criminal proceedings may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such proceedings upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. The Delaware law regarding indemnification and the advancement of expenses is not exclusive of any other rights a person may be entitled to under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

Under the DGCL, the termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that a person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Delaware law also provides that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other entity, against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability.

Westlake’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws authorize indemnification of any person entitled to indemnity under law to the full extent permitted by law. The bylaws of Geismar Holdings, Inc., GVGP, Inc., North American Bristol Corporation, Westech Profiles Limited, Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc., Westlake Development Corporation, Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation, Westlake Longview Corporation, Westlake NG I Corporation, Westlake NG III Corporation, Westlake NG IV Corporation, Westlake NG V Corporation and Westlake Vinyls, Inc. require indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents to the extent permitted by the DGCL. The bylaws of Van Buren Pipe Corporation and Westech Building Products, Inc. require indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and such indemnification must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the board upon a determination by the board that indemnification is proper. The bylaws of North American Pipe Corporation, Westlake Management Services, Inc., Westlake Olefins Corporation, Westlake PVC Corporation, Westlake Resources Corporation and Westlake Vinyl Corporation contain no provisions regarding indemnification of officers or directors. The certificate of incorporation for Westlake Supply and Trading Company requires indemnification of officers and directors and allows indemnification of employees and agents, in each case to the extent permitted by the DGCL.

Delaware Limited Partnerships. Subject to such standards and restrictions as are set forth in its limited partnership agreement, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act empowers a Delaware limited partnership to indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other person from and against any and all claims and demands. The limited partnership agreement for each Delaware limited partnership that is a registrant provides that (1) the general partner’s obligation to perform are performable only to the extent that the partnership has funds available and (2) neither the general partner nor its affiliates shall ever be personally liable to involuntarily furnish its or their own funds for any such purposes, to respond in damages or to render specific performance. The limited partners agree to look solely to the general partner’s partnership interest for recovery of any judgment against the general partner. So long as the general partner acts in good faith, it has no liability or obligation to the partnership or to any partner for any decision, act or omission, whether or not such decision, act or omission was (1) authorized or reasonably prudent or (2) the result of the exercise of good or bad business judgment.

 

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Delaware Limited Liability Companies. The Delaware Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company has the power to indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. The limited liability company agreement for each Delaware limited liability company that is a registrant provides that, with certain exceptions, no manager or officer will have any personal liability whatsoever to the limited liability company or any member on account of such manager’s or officer’s status as a manager or officer or by reason of such manager’s or officer’s acts or omissions in connection with the conduct of the business of the company. The debts, obligations and liabilities of each limited liability company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, will be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the company, and no manager, member or officer will be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the company solely by reason of being a manager, member or officer.

 

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Item 16. Exhibits.†

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement, relating to equity securities.
  1.2   Form of Underwriting Agreement, relating to debt securities.
  3.1(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Geismar Holdings, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 26, 2002.
  3.1(b)*   By-Laws of Geismar Holdings, Inc.
  3.2(a)*   Certificate of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 2, 2003.
  3.2(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 8, 2003.
  3.2(c)*****   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 1, 2005.
  3.2(d)*   Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP.
  3.3(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of GVGP, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 26, 2002.
  3.3(b)*   By-Laws of GVGP, Inc.
  3.4(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of North American Bristol Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 2000.
  3.4(b)****   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of North American Bristol Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 21, 2004.
  3.4(c)*   By-Laws of North American Bristol Corporation.
  3.5(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of North American Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 29, 1992.
  3.5(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of North American Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 7, 1992.
  3.5(c)*   Bylaws of North American Pipe Corporation.
  3.6(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Profiles Limited as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 27, 2000.
  3.6(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Profiles Limited as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 1, 2000.
  3.6(c)   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Profiles Limited as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 28, 2005.
  3.6(d)*   By-Laws of Westech Profiles Limited.
  3.7(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Van Buren Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 25, 1994.
  3.7(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Van Buren Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 1995.
  3.7(c)*   By-Laws of Van Buren Pipe Corporation.

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  3.8(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Building Products, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 25, 1994.
  3.8(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Building Products, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 6, 1996.
  3.8(c)*   By-Laws of Westech Building Products, Inc.
  3.9(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 2000.
  3.9(b)*   By-Laws of Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.
  3.10(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Development Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 2000.
  3.10(b)*   By-Laws of Westlake Development Corporation.
  3.11(a)****   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Supply and Trading Company as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 20, 1992.
  3.11(b)   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Supply and Trading Company as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 8, 2007.
  3.11(c)****   Bylaws of Westlake Supply and Trading Company.
  3.12(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Management Services, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 5, 1990.
  3.12(b)*   Bylaws of Westlake Management Services, Inc.
  3.13(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Olefins Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 15, 1989.
  3.13(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Olefins Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 20, 1992.
  3.13(c)*   By-Laws of Westlake Olefins Corporation.
  3.14(a)   Certificate of Conversion of Westlake Petrochemicals LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.14(b)   Certificate of Formation of Westlake Petrochemicals LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.14(c)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Westlake Petrochemicals LLC.
  3.15(a)   Certificate of Conversion of Westlake Polymers LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.15(b)   Certificate of Formation of Westlake Polymers LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.15(c)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Westlake Polymers LLC.
  3.16(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake PVC Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 19, 1991.
  3.16(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake PVC Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 20, 1991.
  3.16(c)*   Bylaws of Westlake PVC Corporation.

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  3.17(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Resources Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 23, 1990.
  3.17(b)*   Bylaws of Westlake Resources Corporation.
  3.18(a)   Certificate of Conversion of Westlake Styrene LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007
  3.18(b)   Certificate of Formation of Westlake Styrene LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.18(c)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Westlake Styrene LLC.
  3.19(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyl Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 8, 1990.
  3.19(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyl Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 18, 1993.
  3.19(c)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyl Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 4, 1993.
  3.19(d)*   Bylaws of Westlake Vinyl Corporation.
  3.20(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyls, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 10, 1997.
  3.20(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyls, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on September 28, 2001.
  3.20(c)*   By-Laws of Westlake Vinyls, Inc.
  3.21(a)   Certificate of Formation of WPT LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.21(b)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of WPT LLC.
  3.22(a)*****   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG I Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 18, 2005.
  3.22(b)*****   Bylaws of Westlake NG I Corporation.
  3.23(a)*****   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Longview Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 18, 2005.
  3.23(b)   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Longview Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 3, 2006.
  3.23(c)*****   Bylaws of Westlake Longview Corporation.
  3.24(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 26, 2006.
  3.24(b)   Bylaws of Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation.
  3.25(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG III Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 24, 2008.
  3.25(b)   Bylaws of Westlake NG III Corporation.
  3.26(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG IV Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 24, 2008.

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  3.26(b)   Bylaws of Westlake NG IV Corporation.
  3.27(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG V Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 24, 2008.
  3.27(b)   Bylaws of Westlake NG V Corporation.
  4.1**   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 6, 2004.
  4.2**   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Westlake.
  4.3******   Indenture dated as of January 1, 2006 by and among Westlake, the potential subsidiary guarantors listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2006).
  4.4******   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 13, 2006 by and among Westlake, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2006).
  4.5******   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor to JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 18, 2007).
  4.6******   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2007, among the Company, WPT LLC, Westlake Polymers LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Styrene LLC, the other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. related to the 6 5/8% senior notes (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).
  4.7******   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2007, among the Company, WPT LLC, Westlake Polymers LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Styrene LLC, the other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. related to the 6 3/4% senior notes (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).
  4.8****   Form of Indenture between Westlake and the trustee thereunder (the “Subordinated Trustee”), relating to subordinated debt securities.
  4.9**   Form of Westlake Common Stock Certificate.
  5.1   Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. as to the legality of the securities.
10.1***   Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Westlake and TTWF LP.
12.1   Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
23.1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2   Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1   Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages).
25.1   Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee under Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Senior Indenture.

 

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Westlake will file as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K (i) any underwriting, remarketing or agency agreement relating to securities offered hereby, (ii) the instruments setting forth the terms of any debt securities, preferred stock or warrants, (iii) any additional required opinions of counsel with respect to legality of the securities offered hereby, (iv) the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Subordinated Trustee on Form T-1, and (v) any required opinion of counsel to Westlake as to certain tax matters relative to securities offered hereby.

 

* Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on September 22, 2003 under Registration No. 333-108982.

 

** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on August 9, 2004 under Registration No. 333-115790.

 

*** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on July 2, 2004 under Registration No. 333-115790.

 

**** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A filed on May 3, 2005 under Registration No. 333-124581.

 

***** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A filed on November 23, 2005 under Registration No. 333-124581.

 

****** Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

 

  (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; and

 

  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

  (4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

 

  (i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

  (ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

  (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or

 

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otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee under an Indenture to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrants certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/    ALBERT CHAO        

Name:   Albert Chao
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Each person whose signature appears below appoints Albert Chao, M. Steven Bender and Stephen Wallace, and each of them severally, as his or her true and lawful attorney or attorneys-in-fact and agent or agents, each of whom shall be authorized to act with or without the other, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead in his or her capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and all documents or instruments necessary to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with full power and authority to each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents to do and perform in the name and on behalf of each such director or officer, or both, as the case may be, each and every act whatsoever that is necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection with any or all of the above-described matters and to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    ALBERT CHAO        

Albert Chao

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    M. STEVEN BENDER        

M. Steven Bender

   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/    GEORGE J. MANGIERI        

George J. Mangieri

  

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/    JAMES CHAO        

James Chao

   Chairman of the Board of Directors

/s/    ROBERT T. BLAKELY        

Robert T. Blakely

   Director

/s/    DOROTHY C. JENKINS        

Dorothy C. Jenkins

   Director

/s/    MAX L. LUKENS        

Max L. Lukens

   Director

/s/    E. WILLIAM BARNETT        

E. William Barnett

   Director

/s/    H. JOHN RILEY, JR.        

H. John Riley, Jr.

   Director

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrants certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

WESTLAKE VINYLS COMPANY LP,

BY GVGP, INC., ITS GENERAL PARTNER

GVGP, INC.

NORTH AMERICAN BRISTOL CORPORATION

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL INVESTMENTS, INC.

WESTLAKE ETHYLENE PIPELINE CORPORATION

WESTLAKE LONGVIEW CORPORATION

WESTLAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

WESTLAKE OLEFINS CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG I CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG III CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG IV CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG V CORPORATION

WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC

WESTLAKE PVC CORPORATION

WESTLAKE RESOURCES CORPORATION

WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC

WESTLAKE SUPPLY AND TRADING COMPANY

WESTLAKE VINYL CORPORATION

WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC.

WPT LLC

By:

 

/s/    ALBERT CHAO        

Name:   Albert Chao
Title:   President

GEISMAR HOLDINGS, INC.

WESTLAKE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/    R. MICHAEL LOONEY        

Name:   R. Michael Looney
Title:   President

NORTH AMERICAN PIPE CORPORATION

WESTECH PROFILES LIMITED

VAN BUREN PIPE CORPORATION

WESTECH BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.

By:

 

/s/    WAYNE D. MORSE        

Name:   Wayne D. Morse
Title:   President

 

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POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below appoints Albert Chao, M. Steven Bender and Stephen Wallace, and each of them severally, as his or her true and lawful attorney or attorneys-in-fact and agent or agents, each of whom shall be authorized to act with or without the other, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead in his or her capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the respective registrant named below, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and all documents or instruments necessary to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with full power and authority to each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents to do and perform in the name and on behalf of each such director or officer, or both, as the case may be, each and every act whatsoever that is necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection with any or all of the above-described matters and to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

GEISMAR HOLDINGS, INC.

WESTLAKE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    R. MICHAEL LOONEY        

R. Michael Looney

   President and Director

/s/    HAROLD F. KALBACH, JR.        

Harold F. Kalbach, Jr.

   Director

 

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WESTLAKE VINYLS COMPANY LP, BY GVGP, INC., ITS GENERAL PARTNER,

GVGP, INC.

NORTH AMERICAN BRISTOL CORPORATION

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL INVESTMENTS, INC.

WESTLAKE ETHYLENE PIPELINE CORPORATION

WESTLAKE LONGVIEW CORPORATION

WESTLAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

WESTLAKE NG I CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG III CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG IV CORPORATION

WESTLAKE NG V CORPORATION

WESTLAKE OLEFINS CORPORATION

WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC

WESTLAKE PVC CORPORATION

WESTLAKE RESOURCES CORPORATION

WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC

WESTLAKE SUPPLY AND TRADING COMPANY

WESTLAKE VINYL CORPORATION

WESTLAKE VINYLS, INC.

WPT LLC

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    ALBERT CHAO        

Albert Chao

   President and Director

NORTH AMERICAN PIPE CORPORATION

WESTECH PROFILES LIMITED

WESTECH BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    WAYNE D. MORSE        

Wayne D. Morse

   President

/s/    ALBERT CHAO        

Albert Chao

   Director

VAN BUREN PIPE CORPORATION

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    WAYNE D. MORSE        

Wayne D. Morse

   President and Director

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS†

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement, relating to equity securities.
  1.2   Form of Underwriting Agreement, relating to debt securities.
  3.1(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Geismar Holdings, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 26, 2002.
  3.1(b)*   By-Laws of Geismar Holdings, Inc.
  3.2(a)*   Certificate of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 2, 2003.
  3.2(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 8, 2003.
  3.2(c)*****   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 1, 2005.
  3.2(d)*   Agreement of Limited Partnership of Westlake Vinyls Company LP.
  3.3(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of GVGP, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 26, 2002.
  3.3(b)*   By-Laws of GVGP, Inc.
  3.4(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of North American Bristol Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 2000.
  3.4(b)****   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of North American Bristol Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 21, 2004.
  3.4(c)*   By-Laws of North American Bristol Corporation.
  3.5(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of North American Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 29, 1992.
  3.5(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of North American Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 7, 1992.
  3.5(c)*   Bylaws of North American Pipe Corporation.
  3.6(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Profiles Limited as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 27, 2000.
  3.6(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Profiles Limited as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 1, 2000.
  3.6(c)   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Profiles Limited as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 28, 2005.
  3.6(d)*   By-Laws of Westech Profiles Limited.
  3.7(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Van Buren Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 25, 1994.
  3.7(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Van Buren Pipe Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 1995.
  3.7(c)*   By-Laws of Van Buren Pipe Corporation.

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  3.8(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Building Products, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 25, 1994.
  3.8(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westech Building Products, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 6, 1996.
  3.8(c)*   By-Laws of Westech Building Products, Inc.
  3.9(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 2000.
  3.9(b)*   By-Laws of Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.
  3.10(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Development Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 2000.
  3.10(b)*   By-Laws of Westlake Development Corporation.
  3.11(a)****   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Supply and Trading Company as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 20, 1992.
  3.11(b)   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Supply and Trading Company as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 8, 2007.
  3.11(c)****   Bylaws of Westlake Supply and Trading Company.
  3.12(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Management Services, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 5, 1990.
  3.12(b)*   Bylaws of Westlake Management Services, Inc.
  3.13(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Olefins Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 15, 1989.
  3.13(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Olefins Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 20, 1992.
  3.13(c)*   By-Laws of Westlake Olefins Corporation.
  3.14(a)   Certificate of Conversion of Westlake Petrochemicals LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.14(b)   Certificate of Formation of Westlake Petrochemicals LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.14(c)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Westlake Petrochemicals LLC.
  3.15(a)   Certificate of Conversion of Westlake Polymers LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.15(b)   Certificate of Formation of Westlake Polymers LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.15(c)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Westlake Polymers LLC.
  3.16(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake PVC Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 19, 1991.
  3.16(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake PVC Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 20, 1991.
  3.16(c)*   Bylaws of Westlake PVC Corporation.

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  3.17(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Resources Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 23, 1990.
  3.17(b)*   Bylaws of Westlake Resources Corporation.
  3.18(a)   Certificate of Conversion of Westlake Styrene LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007
  3.18(b)   Certificate of Formation of Westlake Styrene LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.18(c)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Westlake Styrene LLC.
  3.19(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyl Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 8, 1990.
  3.19(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyl Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 18, 1993.
  3.19(c)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyl Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 4, 1993.
  3.19(d)*   Bylaws of Westlake Vinyl Corporation.
  3.20(a)*   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyls, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 10, 1997.
  3.20(b)*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Vinyls, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on September 28, 2001.
  3.20(c)*   By-Laws of Westlake Vinyls, Inc.
  3.21(a)   Certificate of Formation of WPT LLC as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 31, 2007.
  3.21(b)   Limited Liability Company Agreement of WPT LLC.
  3.22(a)*****   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG I Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 18, 2005.
  3.22(b)*****   Bylaws of Westlake NG I Corporation.
  3.23(a)*****   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Longview Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 18, 2005.
  3.23(b)   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Longview Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 3, 2006.
  3.23(c)*****   Bylaws of Westlake Longview Corporation.
  3.24(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 26, 2006.
  3.24(b)   Bylaws of Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation.
  3.25(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG III Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 24, 2008.
  3.25(b)   Bylaws of Westlake NG III Corporation.
  3.26(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG IV Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 24, 2008.

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

  3.26(b)   Bylaws of Westlake NG IV Corporation.
  3.27(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake NG V Corporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 24, 2008.
  3.27(b)   Bylaws of Westlake NG V Corporation.
  4.1**   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 6, 2004.
  4.2**   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Westlake.
  4.3******   Indenture dated as of January 1, 2006 by and among Westlake, the potential subsidiary guarantors listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2006).
  4.4******   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 13, 2006 by and among Westlake, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2006).
  4.5******   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor to JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 18, 2007).
  4.6******   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2007, among the Company, WPT LLC, Westlake Polymers LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Styrene LLC, the other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. related to the 6 5/8% senior notes (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).
  4.7******   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2007, among the Company, WPT LLC, Westlake Polymers LLC, Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, Westlake Styrene LLC, the other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. related to the 6 3/4% senior notes (incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).
  4.8****   Form of Indenture between Westlake and the trustee thereunder (the “Subordinated Trustee”), relating to subordinated debt securities.
  4.9**   Form of Westlake Common Stock Certificate.
  5.1   Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. as to the legality of the securities.
10.1***   Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Westlake and TTWF LP.
12.1   Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
23.1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2   Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1   Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages).
25.1   Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee under Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Senior Indenture.

 

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Westlake will file as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K (i) any underwriting, remarketing or agency agreement relating to securities offered hereby, (ii) the instruments setting forth the terms of any debt securities, preferred stock or warrants, (iii) any additional required opinions of counsel with respect to legality of the securities offered hereby, (iv) the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Subordinated Trustee on Form T-1, and (v) any required opinion of counsel to Westlake as to certain tax matters relative to securities offered hereby.

 

* Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on September 22, 2003 under Registration No. 333-108982.

 

** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on August 9, 2004 under Registration No. 333-115790.

 

*** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on July 2, 2004 under Registration No. 333-115790.

 

**** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A filed on May 3, 2005 under Registration No. 333-124581.

 

***** Incorporated by reference to Westlake’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A filed on November 23, 2005 under Registration No. 333-124581.

 

****** Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.

 

II-19

Exhibit 3.6(c)

STATE OF DELAWARE

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

The corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware does hereby certify:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of North American Profiles, Inc. resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation, declaring said amendment to be advisable and calling a meeting of the stockholders of said corporation for consideration thereof. The resolution setting forth the proposed amendment is as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be amended by changing the Article thereof numbered I so that, as amended, said Article shall be and read as follows:

The name of the corporation is changed from North American Profiles, Inc. to Westech Profiles Limited.

SECOND: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Boards of Directors, a special meeting of the stockholders of said corporation was duly called and held upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the amendment.

THIRD: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said corporation has caused this certificate to be signed this 16th day of December 2005.

 

By:   /s/ William Vore
Title:   Assistant Secretary
Name:   William Vore

Exhibit 3.11(b)

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

to the

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

WESTLAKE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Westlake International Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), hereby adopts this Certificate of Amendment (this “Certificate of Amendment”), which amends its Certificate of Incorporation, as described below, and does hereby further certify that:

1. The name of the Corporation is Westlake International Corporation.

2. The Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted a resolution proposing and declaring advisable the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation as described herein, and the Corporation’s sole stockholder duly adopted such amendment, all in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 228 of the DGCL.

3. The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation effected by this Certificate of Amendment changes the name of the Corporation to Westlake Supply and Trading Company.

4. The Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended by deleting the first article thereof and replacing in lieu thereof a new first article reading in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

The name of the corporation is Westlake Supply and Trading Company.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this certificate to be executed this 5th day of May, 2007.

 

WESTLAKE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
By:   /s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Title:   President & Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 3.14(a)

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION

CONVERTING

WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LP

(A Delaware Limited Partnership)

TO

WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC

(A Delaware Limited Liability Company)

This Certificate of Conversion is being filed for the purpose of converting Westlake Petrochemicals LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Converting Limited Partnership”), to a Delaware limited liability company to be named “Westlake Petrochemicals LLC” (the “Company”) pursuant to Section 18-214 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., and Section 17-219 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101 et seq.

The undersigned, as an authorized person of the Converting Limited Partnership and the Company, does hereby certify that:

1. Name of Converting Limited Partnership. The name of the Converting Limited Partnership immediately prior to the filing of this Certificate of Conversion was Westlake Petrochemicals LP.

2. Date and Jurisdiction of Organization of Converting Limited Partnership. The date on which, and the jurisdiction where, the Converting Limited Partnership was organized are as follows:

 

Date

   Jurisdiction

December 20, 2000

   Delaware

3. Name of Converted Limited Liability Company. The name of the Company and the name set forth in the Certificate of Formation of the Company filed in accordance with Section 18-214(b) of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act is Westlake Petrochemicals LLC.

4. Effective Time. This Certificate of Conversion shall be effective at 11:40 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Certificate of Conversion as of December 31, 2007.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.14(b)

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC

This Certificate of Formation is being executed as of December 31, 2007 in connection with the conversion of Westlake Petrochemicals LP, a Delaware limited partnership, to a Delaware limited liability company.

The undersigned, being duly authorized to execute and file this Certificate, does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name. The name of the limited liability company is Westlake Petrochemicals LLC (the “Company”).

2. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC.

3. Effective Date. This Certificate of Formation shall be effective at 11:40 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate of Formation as of the day and year first above written.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.14(c)

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

WESTLAKE PETROCHEMICALS LLC

THE UNDERSIGNED is executing this Limited Liability Company Agreement (this “Agreement”) for the purpose of (i) effectuating the conversion of Westlake Petrochemicals LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Converted Limited Partnership”), to a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and (ii) adopting a limited liability company agreement for the governance of the business and affairs of the Company, each pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq. (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Delaware Act”), and does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name; Formation. The name of the Company shall be Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, or such other name as the Managers may from time to time hereafter designate. The Company constitutes a continuation of the existence of the Converted Limited Partnership in the form of a Delaware limited liability company. In accordance with Section 18-214(b) of the Delaware Act, the Certificate of Conversion (converting the Converted Limited Partnership to the Company) and the Certificate of Formation of the Company have been duly executed by a person designated by the Initial Member or by any officer, agent or employee of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware (any such person being an authorized person to take such action) and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. As provided in Section 18-214(d) of the Delaware Act, the existence of the Company is deemed to have commenced on December 20, 2000, the date the Converted Limited Partnership was originally formed under the laws of the State of Delaware.

2. Definitions; Rules of Construction. In addition to terms otherwise defined herein, the following terms are used herein as defined below:

“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the cash, property, services or promissory obligations (if any) contributed by such Member to the Company in accordance with Section 7 hereof (the amount or agreed value of which is set forth on Schedule I).

“Initial Member” means Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

“Interest” means the ownership interest of a Member in the Company (which shall be considered personal property for all purposes), consisting of (i) such Member’s Percentage Interest in profits, losses, allocations and distributions, (ii) such Member’s right to vote or grant or withhold consents with respect to Company matters as provided herein or in the Delaware Act and (iii) such Member’s other rights and privileges as provided herein or in the Delaware Act.


“Majority in Interest of the Members” means Members whose Percentage Interests aggregate to greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Percentage Interests of all Members.

“Manager” means a manager of the Company as designated in, or selected pursuant to, Section 8(d) hereof. Each Manager shall constitute a ‘manager’, as such term is defined in Section 18-101 of the Delaware Act.

“Members” means the Initial Member and all other persons or entities admitted as additional or substituted Members pursuant to this Agreement, so long as they remain Members. Reference to a “Member” means any one of the Members.

“Percentage Interest” means a Member’s share of the profits and losses of the Company and the Member’s percentage right to receive distributions of the Company’s assets. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be the percentage set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule I, as such Schedule shall be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. The combined Percentage Interest of all Members shall at all times equal one hundred percent (100%).

Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires, and, as used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provisions hereof.

3. Purpose. The business and purpose of the Company shall be to invest Company assets in, and to acquire, hold, dispose of, manage or otherwise exercise rights with respect to, property of any nature, real or personal, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the foregoing. The Company may engage in such activities directly or through partnerships, funds, joint ventures or other business structures. The Company may also engage in any other businesses or activities that may be engaged in by a limited liability company formed under the Delaware Act, as such other activities may be approved from time to time by the Managers.

4. Offices.

(a) The principal office of the Company, and such additional offices as the Managers may determine to establish, shall be located at such place or places inside or outside the State of Delaware as the Managers may designate from time to time.

 

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(b) The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19803. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC. The Managers may change such registered office and/or registered agent from time to time.

5. Members. The name and business or residence address of each Member of the Company is as set forth on Schedule I, as the same may be amended from time to time.

6. Term. The term of the Company shall be perpetual unless the Company is dissolved and terminated in accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement.

7. Capital Contributions; Capital Accounts; Administrative Matters.

(a) The Initial Member has contributed to the Company the cash, property, services or promissory obligations set forth or referenced on Schedule I. Except as otherwise agreed by the Managers, the Initial Member shall have no right or obligation to make any further capital contributions to the Company. Persons or entities hereafter admitted as Members of the Company shall make such contributions of cash, property, services or promissory obligations to the Company as shall be determined by the Managers, at the time of each such admission.

(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the Initial Member is the sole Member of the Company. At all times that the Company has only one Member, the Company shall be disregarded for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes and all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Company shall be treated as items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Member.

(c) If at any time the Company has more than one Member, it is the intention of the Members that the Company shall be taxed as a “partnership” for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes, and the following provisions shall apply:

(i) A single, separate capital account shall be established and maintained for each Member. Each Member’s capital account shall be credited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities secured by such contributed property that the Company assumes or takes subject to) contributed by that Member to the Company; the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by such Member (other than in connection with a distribution of Company property); and such Member’s distributive share of Company profits (including tax exempt income). Each Member’s capital account shall be debited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities that such Member assumes or takes subject to) distributed to such Member; the amount of any liabilities of such Member assumed by the Company (other than in connection with a contribution); and such Member’s distributive share of Company losses (including items that may be neither deducted nor capitalized for federal income tax purposes).

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each Member’s capital account shall be maintained and adjusted in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”), including, without limitation, (x) the adjustments permitted or required by Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b) and, to the extent applicable, the principles expressed in Internal Revenue Code Section 704(c) and (y) adjustments required to maintain capital accounts in accordance with the “substantial economic effect test” set forth in the Regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b). No Member shall have any obligation to contribute any amount to the Company in the event of a negative balance of its capital account, and the Members’ intend to use a “qualified income offset” provision as defined in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations.

(iii) Any Member, including any substitute Member, who shall receive an Interest (or whose Interest shall be increased) by means of a transfer to him of all or a part of the Interest of another Member, shall have a capital account that reflects the capital account associated with the transferred Interest (or the applicable percentage thereof in case of a transfer of a part of an Interest).

(iv) All items of Company income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests as set forth on Schedule I.

(d) The fiscal year of the Company shall be a calendar year. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, the books and records of the Company shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) (i) Each Member’s Interest shall be recorded on the books of the Company and, unless otherwise determined by the Managers, no certificate evidencing a Member’s Interest in the Company (each, a “Certificate”) shall be issued. The Company shall keep or cause to be kept a register in which, subject to such regulations as the Managers may adopt, the Company will provide for the registration of Interests and the registration of transfers of Interests. The Company shall maintain such register and provide for such registration. The books of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the ownership of all Interests in the Company. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, the Interests in the Company shall be transferable on the books of the Company by the record holder thereof or by its duly authorized agent upon delivery to the Company of a duly executed instrument of transfer, a written agreement of the transferee to be bound by all terms and conditions hereof and such other instruments as the Managers may reasonably require and such evidence of the genuineness of the execution and authorization of the foregoing as may be required by the Managers. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, upon delivery of the foregoing instruments and compliance with the foregoing conditions, the transfer shall be recorded on the books of the Company. Until a transfer is so recorded, the owners of record of Interests shall be deemed to be the owners for all purposes hereunder and neither any Member nor the Company shall be affected by any notice of a proposed transfer.

 

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(ii) In the event that the Managers determine to issue Certificates, the following shall apply:

(A) Each Certificate shall be executed by such persons as are designated by the Managers.

(B) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Certificate, and subject to the further provisions of this Section 7(e) and the limitations on transfer contained elsewhere in this Agreement, the Company will cause the execution, in the name of the registered holder or the designated transferee, of one or more new Certificates, evidencing the same aggregate Percentage Interest as did the Certificate surrendered. Every Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Managers duly executed, by the registered holder thereof or such holder’s authorized attorney.

(C) The Company shall issue a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the record holder of the Certificate (w) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen, (x) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the Company has received notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim, (y) if requested by the Managers, delivers to the Company a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, with such surety or sureties and with fixed or open liability as the Managers may direct, to indemnify the Company, as registrar, against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate, and (z) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Managers.

(iii) An Interest in the Company evidenced by a Certificate shall constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, as in effect in Delaware or any other applicable jurisdiction (the “UCC”). An Interest in the Company not evidenced by a Certificate shall not constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the UCC. Delaware law shall constitute the local law of the Company’s jurisdiction in its capacity as the issuer of Interests.

8. Management of the Company.

(a) Subject to the delegation of rights and powers as provided for herein and except as otherwise herein provided, management of the Company is vested in the Managers and the Managers shall have the sole right and authority to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the Company and shall have all powers and rights necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate and carry out the purposes, powers, business and other activities of the Company. The Managers may appoint, employ or otherwise contract with any persons or entities for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company, and the Managers may delegate to any such person (who may be designated an officer of the Company) or entity such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Managers may from time to time deem appropriate. No Member, by reason of its status as such, shall have any authority to act for or bind the Company or otherwise take part in the management of the business or affairs of the Company.

 

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(b) Without limitation of Section 8(a), the powers of the Managers shall include the power to do or cause the Company to do any of the following:

(i) expend Company funds in connection with the operation of the business of the Company or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement;

(ii) employ and dismiss from employment any and all officers, employees, agents, independent contractors, attorneys and accountants;

(iii) prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, defend, compromise, settle or accept judgment on claims against the Company and execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;

(iv) borrow money on behalf of the Company from any person, issue promissory notes, drafts and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, secure payment of any such indebtedness by mortgage, pledge or assignment of property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, or guarantee the obligations of others;

(v) hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange, otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to all property of whatever nature held or owned by, or licensed to, the Company;

(vi) have and maintain one or more offices at such place or places as is determined by the Managers;

(vii) open, maintain and close bank accounts, money market accounts or investment, custody or other financial accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of monies;

(viii) engage accountants, custodians, consultants and attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants (professional and nonprofessional) and pay such compensation in connection with such engagements that the Managers determine is appropriate;

(ix) maintain such insurance relating to the business of the Company, upon such terms, as the Managers determine is appropriate; and

(x) enter into, execute, make, amend, supplement, acknowledge, deliver and cause the Company to perform any and all contracts, agreements, licenses and other instruments, undertakings and understandings that the Managers determine are necessary, appropriate or incidental to carrying on the business and affairs of the Company.

(c) The Managers may authorize any Manager(s), Member(s), officer(s), agent(s) or employee(s) to enter into any contract, to execute any instrument or certificate (including any certificate to be filed on behalf of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware under the Delaware Act) or to take any other action in the name of

 

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and on behalf of the Company, and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Managers or within the agency power of an officer, no Manager, Member, officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

(d) The number of Managers of the Company shall be as set forth on Schedule II or such other number as the Managers shall determine from time to time. The initial Manager or Managers are identified on Schedule II. Managers shall serve until their respective successors are duly elected by the Members or until their earlier death, retirement, incapacity or removal. Managers may be removed with or without cause by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. Vacancies in the number of Managers from whatever cause shall be filled by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. The Managers shall amend Schedule II from time to time to reflect changes in the number or identity of Managers made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8(d).

(e) Except as to actions herein specified to be taken by all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously, the duties and powers of the Managers may be exercised by a majority in number of all Managers (or by any Manager acting pursuant to authority delegated by a majority in number of the Managers). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at any time that there is only one Manager, (i) any and all actions provided for herein to be taken or approved by the “Managers” shall be taken or approved by the sole Manager and (ii) the taking of any lawful action by the Manager on behalf of the Company, including the execution and/or delivery of any instrument, certificate, filing or document by the Manager on behalf of the Company, or the adoption by the Manager of authorizing resolutions with respect to any matter, shall constitute and evidence the due authorization of such action or matter on behalf of the Company.

(f) Regular meetings of the Managers shall be held in accordance with a schedule of meetings to be adopted by resolution of the Managers and no notice of any such regular meeting shall be required. Special meetings of the Managers may be called by any Manager upon not less than two (2) business days prior written notice to all Managers stating the purpose or purposes thereof; provided that any Manager may waive such notice prior to, at or after the meeting. The presence in person of a majority in number of all managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of Managers, except that the presence of all Managers shall be required as to actions herein specified to be taken all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously. Any meeting of Managers may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Managers participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Managers participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Managers may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken executed by such number of Managers as would be required to take such action in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the Delaware Act. Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts. If any action is taken by the Managers by the written consent of less than all of the Managers, prompt notice of the taking of such action shall be furnished to each Manager who did not execute such written consent (provided that the effectiveness of such action shall not be impaired by any delay or failure to furnish such notice).

 

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(g) A Manager shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any of its other Managers or its Members, officers, employees or committees, or by any other person as to matters the Manager reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company (including, without limitation, information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and the amount of the assets, liabilities, profits or losses of the Company or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to Members might properly be paid). In addition, the Managers may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by them, and any opinion of any such person as to matters which the Managers reasonably believe to be within such person’s professional or expert competence shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the Managers hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

9. Member Approvals; Meetings of Members.

(a) Members shall have no right to vote or consent to any matters, including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization of the Company, except to the extent required by applicable law or as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Any action required to be taken by the Members under applicable law may be taken by vote of the Members at a meeting. Meetings may be called by the Managers upon not less than five (5) days prior written notice to all other Members. The notice shall specify the place and time of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. A written waiver of notice, signed by a Member, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice to such Member. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, meetings of Members shall be held at the principal place of business of the Company. Meetings of the Members may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Members participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Members participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. At any meeting of Members, a Majority in Interest of the Members, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, except that the presence of all Members shall be required as to actions to be taken by all of the Members or by the Members acting unanimously. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Members may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken signed by a Majority in Interest of the Members (or Members holding such higher aggregate Percentage Interest as is required to authorize or take such action under applicable law). Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts.

 

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10. Assignments of Company Interests.

(a) No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber (collectively “transfer”) all or any part of its Interest in the Company, and no transferee of all or any part of the Interest of a Member shall be admitted as a substituted Member, without, in either event, having obtained the prior consent of all Managers.

(b) The Managers shall amend Schedule I from time to time to reflect transfers made in accordance with, and as permitted under, this Section 10. Any purported transfer in violation of this Section 10 shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Company.

11. Resignation. No Member shall have the right to resign from the Company except with the consent of all Managers and upon such terms and conditions as may be specifically agreed upon between the Managers and the resigning Member. The provisions hereof with respect to distributions upon resignation are exclusive and no Member shall be entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon resignation under Section 18-604 of the Delaware Act or otherwise. A Manager may resign at any time upon giving the Company not less than ten (10) days prior notice of the effective date of resignation.

12. Additional Members. The Managers shall have the right to admit additional Members upon such terms and conditions, at such time or times, and for such Capital Contributions as shall be determined by such Members; and in connection with any such admission, the Managers shall amend Schedule I to reflect the name, address and Capital Contribution of the additional Member and any agreed upon changes in Percentage Interests.

13. Distributions. Distributions of cash or other assets of the Company shall be made at such times and in such amounts as the Managers acting unanimously may determine. Distributions shall be made to the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

14. Return of Capital. No Manager or Member shall have any liability for the return of any Member’s Capital Contribution, which Capital Contribution shall be payable solely from the assets of the Company.

15. Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up and terminated upon the first to occur of the following:

(a) The determination of the Managers to dissolve the Company; or

(b) The occurrence of any event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued as permitted under the Delaware Act.

 

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16. Winding Up of the Company.

(a) If the Company is dissolved pursuant to Section 15, the Managers shall proceed to wind up the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the Delaware Act. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the period of winding up in light of prevailing market conditions and so as to avoid undue loss in connection with any sale of Company assets. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to govern the rights and obligations of the Managers and Members and the conduct of the Company during the period of winding up the Company’s affairs. The Managers shall liquidate the assets of the Company, and apply and distribute the proceeds of such liquidation in the following order of priority, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable law:

(i) to creditors, including Managers and Members who are creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Company (whether by payment, by the establishment of reserves of cash or other assets of the Company or by other reasonable provision for payment), other than liabilities for distributions to Members and former Members under Sections 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act;

(ii) to Members and former Members in satisfaction of liabilities for distributions under 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act; and

(iii) thereafter to the Member, if only one, or if more than one, to the Members in proportion to the positive balances of their respective Capital Accounts (determined after allocating all income, gain, deduction, loss and other like items arising in connection with the liquidation of Company assets and otherwise making all Capital Account adjustments required by Section 7(c)).

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16(a) which require the liquidation of the assets of the Company, if on dissolution of the Company, the Managers determine that a prompt sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the value of Company assets, the Managers may defer for a reasonable time (up to three (3) years) the liquidation of any assets, except those necessary to timely satisfy liabilities of the Company (other than those to Members), and/or may distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common, undivided interests in such Company assets as the Managers deems not suitable for liquidation. Any such in-kind distributions (i) shall be made in accordance with the priorities referenced in Section 16(a) as if cash equal to the fair market value of the distributed assets were being distributed and (ii) shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition and management of the distributed properties as the Managers deems reasonable and equitable and to any joint operating agreements or other agreements governing the operation of such properties at such time. The Managers shall determine the fair market value of any property distributed in kind using such reasonable methods of valuation as they may adopt.

(c) Upon the completion of the distribution of the assets of the Company as provided in this Section 16, the Company shall be terminated, and the Managers shall cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Formation and all qualifications of the Company as a foreign limited liability company and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

 

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17. Limitation on Liability. The debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Manager, Member or officer of the Company shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Manager, Member or officer.

18. Standard of Care; Indemnification of Managers, Officers, Employees and Agents.

(a) No Manager or officer shall have any personal liability whatsoever to the Company or any Member on account of such Manager’s or officer’s status as a Manager or officer or by reason of such Manager’s or officer’s acts or omissions in connection with the conduct of the business of the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Manager or officer against any liability to the Company or the Members to which such Manager or officer would otherwise be subject by reason of (i) any act or omission of such Manager or officer that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Manager or officer derived improper personal benefit.

(b) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Managers and each officer and the affiliates of any Managers or officer (each an “Indemnified Person”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities (including, but not limited to, any investigation, legal and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any action, suit, proceeding or claim) of any kind or nature whatsoever that such Indemnified Person may at any time become subject to or liable for by reason of the formation, operation or termination of the Company, or the Indemnified Person’s acting as a Managers or officer under this Agreement, or the authorized actions of such Indemnified Person in connection with the conduct of the affairs of the Company (including, without limitation, indemnification against negligence, gross negligence or breach of duty); provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to indemnification if and to the extent that the liability otherwise to be indemnified for results from (i) any act or omission of such Indemnified Person that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Indemnified Person derived improper personal benefit. The indemnities provided hereunder shall survive termination of the Company and this Agreement. Each Indemnified Person shall have a claim against the property and assets of the Company for payment of any indemnity amounts from time to time due hereunder, which amounts shall be paid or properly reserved for prior to the making of distributions by the Company to Members. Costs and expenses that are subject to indemnification hereunder shall, at the request of any Indemnified Person, be advanced by the Company to or on behalf of such Indemnified Person prior to final resolution of a matter, so long as such Indemnified Person shall have provided the Company with a written undertaking to reimburse the Company for all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(c) The contract rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 18 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, vote of the Managers or otherwise.

 

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(d) The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Member, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware Act.

(e) The Company may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Managers, grant rights to indemnification and to advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Company to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 18 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of the Managers and officers of the Company.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, the Company shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Managers; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person shall be entitled to reimbursement of his or her reasonable counsel fees with respect to a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person to enforce his or her right to indemnity or advancement of expenses under the provisions of this Section 18 to the extent the Indemnified Person is successful on the merits in such proceeding (or part thereof).

19. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of all Managers.

20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. This Agreement constitutes an agreement of or among the Member(s) and between the Company and each Member.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement as of December 31, 2007.

 

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL INVESTMENTS, INC.
By:   /s/ Albert Chao
  Name:   Albert Chao
  Title:   President

 

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SCHEDULE I

Identification of Members,

Capital Contributions and Percentage Interests

 

Name & Address

  

Capital Contribution

  

Percentage Interest

Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

   The money, property or services previously contributed by the Initial Member to the Converted Limited Partnership, the identified and agreed value of which are recorded in the books and records of the Company.    100%


SCHEDULE II

Managers

 

A. Number of Managers:    1

 

B. Identification of Managers: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

Exhibit 3.15(a)

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION

CONVERTING

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LP

(A Delaware Limited Partnership)

TO

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC

(A Delaware Limited Liability Company)

This Certificate of Conversion is being filed for the purpose of converting Westlake Polymers LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Converting Limited Partnership”), to a Delaware limited liability company to be named “Westlake Polymers LLC” (the “Company”) pursuant to Section 18-214 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., and Section 17-219 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101 et seq.

The undersigned, as an authorized person of the Converting Limited Partnership and the Company, does hereby certify that:

1. Name of Converting Limited Partnership. The name of the Converting Limited Partnership immediately prior to the filing of this Certificate of Conversion was Westlake Polymers LP.

2. Date and Jurisdiction of Formation of Converting Limited Partnership. The date on which, and the jurisdiction where, the Converting Limited Partnership was formed are as follows:

 

Date

   Jurisdiction

December 20, 2000

   Delaware

3. Name of Converted Limited Liability Company. The name of the Company and the name set forth in the Certificate of Formation of the Company filed in accordance with Section 18-214(b) of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act is Westlake Polymers LLC.

4. Effective Time. This Certificate of Conversion shall be effective at 11:35 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Certificate of Conversion as of December 31, 2007.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.15(b)

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC

This Certificate of Formation is being executed as of December 31, 2007 in connection with the conversion of Westlake Polymers LP, a Delaware limited partnership, to a Delaware limited liability company.

The undersigned, being duly authorized to execute and file this Certificate, does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name. The name of the limited liability company is Westlake Polymers LLC (the “Company”).

2. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC.

3. Effective Date. This Certificate of Formation shall be effective at 11:35 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate of Formation as of the day and year first above written.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.15(c)

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LLC

THE UNDERSIGNED is executing this Limited Liability Company Agreement (this “Agreement”) for the purpose of (i) effectuating the conversion of Westlake Polymers LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Converted Limited Partnership”), to a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and (ii) adopting a limited liability company agreement for the governance of the business and affairs of the Company, each pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq. (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Delaware Act”), and does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name; Formation. The name of the Company shall be Westlake Polymers LLC, or such other name as the Managers may from time to time hereafter designate. The Company constitutes a continuation of the existence of the Converted Limited Partnership in the form of a Delaware limited liability company. In accordance with Section 18-214(b) of the Delaware Act, the Certificate of Conversion (converting the Converted Limited Partnership to the Company) and the Certificate of Formation of the Company have been duly executed by a person designated by the Initial Member or by any officer, agent or employee of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware (any such person being an authorized person to take such action) and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. As provided in Section 18-214(d) of the Delaware Act, the existence of the Company is deemed to have commenced on December 20, 2000, the date the Converted Limited Partnership was originally formed under the laws of the State of Delaware.

2. Definitions; Rules of Construction. In addition to terms otherwise defined herein, the following terms are used herein as defined below:

“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the cash, property, services or promissory obligations (if any) contributed by such Member to the Company in accordance with Section 7 hereof (the amount or agreed value of which is set forth on Schedule I).

“Initial Member” means Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

“Interest” means the ownership interest of a Member in the Company (which shall be considered personal property for all purposes), consisting of (i) such Member’s Percentage Interest in profits, losses, allocations and distributions, (ii) such Member’s right to vote or grant or withhold consents with respect to Company matters as provided herein or in the Delaware Act and (iii) such Member’s other rights and privileges as provided herein or in the Delaware Act.


“Majority in Interest of the Members” means Members whose Percentage Interests aggregate to greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Percentage Interests of all Members.

“Manager” means a manager of the Company as designated in, or selected pursuant to, Section 8(d) hereof. Each Manager shall constitute a ‘manager’, as such term is defined in Section 18-101 of the Delaware Act.

“Members” means the Initial Member and all other persons or entities admitted as additional or substituted Members pursuant to this Agreement, so long as they remain Members. Reference to a “Member” means any one of the Members.

“Percentage Interest” means a Member’s share of the profits and losses of the Company and the Member’s percentage right to receive distributions of the Company’s assets. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be the percentage set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule I, as such Schedule shall be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. The combined Percentage Interest of all Members shall at all times equal one hundred percent (100%).

Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires, and, as used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provisions hereof.

3. Purpose. The business and purpose of the Company shall be to invest Company assets in, and to acquire, hold, dispose of, manage or otherwise exercise rights with respect to, property of any nature, real or personal, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the foregoing. The Company may engage in such activities directly or through partnerships, funds, joint ventures or other business structures. The Company may also engage in any other businesses or activities that may be engaged in by a limited liability company formed under the Delaware Act, as such other activities may be approved from time to time by the Managers.

4. Offices.

(a) The principal office of the Company, and such additional offices as the Managers may determine to establish, shall be located at such place or places inside or outside the State of Delaware as the Managers may designate from time to time.

 

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(b) The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19803. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC. The Managers may change such registered office and/or registered agent from time to time.

5. Members. The name and business or residence address of each Member of the Company is as set forth on Schedule I, as the same may be amended from time to time.

6. Term. The term of the Company shall be perpetual unless the Company is dissolved and terminated in accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement.

7. Capital Contributions; Capital Accounts; Administrative Matters.

(a) The Initial Member has contributed to the Company the cash, property, services or promissory obligations set forth or referenced on Schedule I. Except as otherwise agreed by the Managers, the Initial Member shall have no right or obligation to make any further capital contributions to the Company. Persons or entities hereafter admitted as Members of the Company shall make such contributions of cash, property, services or promissory obligations to the Company as shall be determined by the Managers, at the time of each such admission.

(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the Initial Member is the sole Member of the Company. At all times that the Company has only one Member, the Company shall be disregarded for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes and all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Company shall be treated as items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Member.

(c) If at any time the Company has more than one Member, it is the intention of the Members that the Company shall be taxed as a “partnership” for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes, and the following provisions shall apply:

(i) A single, separate capital account shall be established and maintained for each Member. Each Member’s capital account shall be credited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities secured by such contributed property that the Company assumes or takes subject to) contributed by that Member to the Company; the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by such Member (other than in connection with a distribution of Company property); and such Member’s distributive share of Company profits (including tax exempt income). Each Member’s capital account shall be debited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities that such Member assumes or takes subject to) distributed to such Member; the amount of any liabilities of such Member assumed by the Company (other than in connection with a contribution); and such Member’s distributive share of Company losses (including items that may be neither deducted nor capitalized for federal income tax purposes).

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each Member’s capital account shall be maintained and adjusted in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”), including, without limitation, (x) the adjustments permitted or required by Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b) and, to the extent applicable, the principles expressed in Internal Revenue Code Section 704(c) and (y) adjustments required to maintain capital accounts in accordance with the “substantial economic effect test” set forth in the Regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b). No Member shall have any obligation to contribute any amount to the Company in the event of a negative balance of its capital account, and the Members’ intend to use a “qualified income offset” provision as defined in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations.

(iii) Any Member, including any substitute Member, who shall receive an Interest (or whose Interest shall be increased) by means of a transfer to him of all or a part of the Interest of another Member, shall have a capital account that reflects the capital account associated with the transferred Interest (or the applicable percentage thereof in case of a transfer of a part of an Interest).

(iv) All items of Company income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests as set forth on Schedule I.

(d) The fiscal year of the Company shall be a calendar year. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, the books and records of the Company shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) (i) Each Member’s Interest shall be recorded on the books of the Company and, unless otherwise determined by the Managers, no certificate evidencing a Member’s Interest in the Company (each, a “Certificate”) shall be issued. The Company shall keep or cause to be kept a register in which, subject to such regulations as the Managers may adopt, the Company will provide for the registration of Interests and the registration of transfers of Interests. The Company shall maintain such register and provide for such registration. The books of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the ownership of all Interests in the Company. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, the Interests in the Company shall be transferable on the books of the Company by the record holder thereof or by its duly authorized agent upon delivery to the Company of a duly executed instrument of transfer, a written agreement of the transferee to be bound by all terms and conditions hereof and such other instruments as the Managers may reasonably require and such evidence of the genuineness of the execution and authorization of the foregoing as may be required by the Managers. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, upon delivery of the foregoing instruments and compliance with the foregoing conditions, the transfer shall be recorded on the books of the Company. Until a transfer is so recorded, the owners of record of Interests shall be deemed to be the owners for all purposes hereunder and neither any Member nor the Company shall be affected by any notice of a proposed transfer.

 

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(ii) In the event that the Managers determine to issue Certificates, the following shall apply:

(A) Each Certificate shall be executed by such persons as are designated by the Managers.

(B) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Certificate, and subject to the further provisions of this Section 7(e) and the limitations on transfer contained elsewhere in this Agreement, the Company will cause the execution, in the name of the registered holder or the designated transferee, of one or more new Certificates, evidencing the same aggregate Percentage Interest as did the Certificate surrendered. Every Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Managers duly executed, by the registered holder thereof or such holder’s authorized attorney.

(C) The Company shall issue a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the record holder of the Certificate (w) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen, (x) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the Company has received notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim, (y) if requested by the Managers, delivers to the Company a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, with such surety or sureties and with fixed or open liability as the Managers may direct, to indemnify the Company, as registrar, against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate, and (z) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Managers.

(iii) An Interest in the Company evidenced by a Certificate shall constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, as in effect in Delaware or any other applicable jurisdiction (the “UCC”). An Interest in the Company not evidenced by a Certificate shall not constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the UCC. Delaware law shall constitute the local law of the Company’s jurisdiction in its capacity as the issuer of Interests.

8. Management of the Company.

(a) Subject to the delegation of rights and powers as provided for herein and except as otherwise herein provided, management of the Company is vested in the Managers and the Managers shall have the sole right and authority to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the Company and shall have all powers and rights necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate and carry out the purposes, powers, business and other activities of the Company. The Managers may appoint, employ or otherwise contract with any persons or entities for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company, and the Managers may delegate to any such person (who may be designated an officer of the Company) or entity such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Managers may from time to time deem appropriate. No Member, by reason of its status as such, shall have any authority to act for or bind the Company or otherwise take part in the management of the business or affairs of the Company.

 

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(b) Without limitation of Section 8(a), the powers of the Managers shall include the power to do or cause the Company to do any of the following:

(i) expend Company funds in connection with the operation of the business of the Company or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement;

(ii) employ and dismiss from employment any and all officers, employees, agents, independent contractors, attorneys and accountants;

(iii) prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, defend, compromise, settle or accept judgment on claims against the Company and execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;

(iv) borrow money on behalf of the Company from any person, issue promissory notes, drafts and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, secure payment of any such indebtedness by mortgage, pledge or assignment of property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, or guarantee the obligations of others;

(v) hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange, otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to all property of whatever nature held or owned by, or licensed to, the Company;

(vi) have and maintain one or more offices at such place or places as is determined by the Managers;

(vii) open, maintain and close bank accounts, money market accounts or investment, custody or other financial accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of monies;

(viii) engage accountants, custodians, consultants and attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants (professional and nonprofessional) and pay such compensation in connection with such engagements that the Managers determine is appropriate;

(ix) maintain such insurance relating to the business of the Company, upon such terms, as the Managers determine is appropriate; and

(x) enter into, execute, make, amend, supplement, acknowledge, deliver and cause the Company to perform any and all contracts, agreements, licenses and other instruments, undertakings and understandings that the Managers determine are necessary, appropriate or incidental to carrying on the business and affairs of the Company.

(c) The Managers may authorize any Manager(s), Member(s), officer(s), agent(s) or employee(s) to enter into any contract, to execute any instrument or certificate (including any certificate to be filed on behalf of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware under the Delaware Act) or to take any other action in the name of

 

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and on behalf of the Company, and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Managers or within the agency power of an officer, no Manager, Member, officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

(d) The number of Managers of the Company shall be as set forth on Schedule II or such other number as the Managers shall determine from time to time. The initial Manager or Managers are identified on Schedule II. Managers shall serve until their respective successors are duly elected by the Members or until their earlier death, retirement, incapacity or removal. Managers may be removed with or without cause by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. Vacancies in the number of Managers from whatever cause shall be filled by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. The Managers shall amend Schedule II from time to time to reflect changes in the number or identity of Managers made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8(d).

(e) Except as to actions herein specified to be taken by all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously, the duties and powers of the Managers may be exercised by a majority in number of all Managers (or by any Manager acting pursuant to authority delegated by a majority in number of the Managers). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at any time that there is only one Manager, (i) any and all actions provided for herein to be taken or approved by the “Managers” shall be taken or approved by the sole Manager and (ii) the taking of any lawful action by the Manager on behalf of the Company, including the execution and/or delivery of any instrument, certificate, filing or document by the Manager on behalf of the Company, or the adoption by the Manager of authorizing resolutions with respect to any matter, shall constitute and evidence the due authorization of such action or matter on behalf of the Company.

(f) Regular meetings of the Managers shall be held in accordance with a schedule of meetings to be adopted by resolution of the Managers and no notice of any such regular meeting shall be required. Special meetings of the Managers may be called by any Manager upon not less than two (2) business days prior written notice to all Managers stating the purpose or purposes thereof; provided that any Manager may waive such notice prior to, at or after the meeting. The presence in person of a majority in number of all managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of Managers, except that the presence of all Managers shall be required as to actions herein specified to be taken all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously. Any meeting of Managers may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Managers participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Managers participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Managers may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken executed by such number of Managers as would be required to take such action in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the Delaware Act. Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts. If any action is taken by the Managers by the written consent of less than all of the Managers, prompt notice of the taking of such action shall be furnished to each Manager who did not execute such written consent (provided that the effectiveness of such action shall not be impaired by any delay or failure to furnish such notice).

 

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(g) A Manager shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any of its other Managers or its Members, officers, employees or committees, or by any other person as to matters the Manager reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company (including, without limitation, information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and the amount of the assets, liabilities, profits or losses of the Company or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to Members might properly be paid). In addition, the Managers may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by them, and any opinion of any such person as to matters which the Managers reasonably believe to be within such person’s professional or expert competence shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the Managers hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

9. Member Approvals; Meetings of Members.

(a) Members shall have no right to vote or consent to any matters, including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization of the Company, except to the extent required by applicable law or as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Any action required to be taken by the Members under applicable law may be taken by vote of the Members at a meeting. Meetings may be called by the Managers upon not less than five (5) days prior written notice to all other Members. The notice shall specify the place and time of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. A written waiver of notice, signed by a Member, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice to such Member. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, meetings of Members shall be held at the principal place of business of the Company. Meetings of the Members may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Members participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Members participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. At any meeting of Members, a Majority in Interest of the Members, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, except that the presence of all Members shall be required as to actions to be taken by all of the Members or by the Members acting unanimously. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Members may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken signed by a Majority in Interest of the Members (or Members holding such higher aggregate Percentage Interest as is required to authorize or take such action under applicable law). Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts.

 

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10. Assignments of Company Interests.

(a) No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber (collectively “transfer”) all or any part of its Interest in the Company, and no transferee of all or any part of the Interest of a Member shall be admitted as a substituted Member, without, in either event, having obtained the prior consent of all Managers.

(b) The Managers shall amend Schedule I from time to time to reflect transfers made in accordance with, and as permitted under, this Section 10. Any purported transfer in violation of this Section 10 shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Company.

11. Resignation. No Member shall have the right to resign from the Company except with the consent of all Managers and upon such terms and conditions as may be specifically agreed upon between the Managers and the resigning Member. The provisions hereof with respect to distributions upon resignation are exclusive and no Member shall be entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon resignation under Section 18-604 of the Delaware Act or otherwise. A Manager may resign at any time upon giving the Company not less than ten (10) days prior notice of the effective date of resignation.

12. Additional Members. The Managers shall have the right to admit additional Members upon such terms and conditions, at such time or times, and for such Capital Contributions as shall be determined by such Members; and in connection with any such admission, the Managers shall amend Schedule I to reflect the name, address and Capital Contribution of the additional Member and any agreed upon changes in Percentage Interests.

13. Distributions. Distributions of cash or other assets of the Company shall be made at such times and in such amounts as the Managers acting unanimously may determine. Distributions shall be made to the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

14. Return of Capital. No Manager or Member shall have any liability for the return of any Member’s Capital Contribution, which Capital Contribution shall be payable solely from the assets of the Company.

15. Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up and terminated upon the first to occur of the following:

(a) The determination of the Managers to dissolve the Company; or

(b) The occurrence of any event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued as permitted under the Delaware Act.

 

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16. Winding Up of the Company.

(a) If the Company is dissolved pursuant to Section 15, the Managers shall proceed to wind up the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the Delaware Act. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the period of winding up in light of prevailing market conditions and so as to avoid undue loss in connection with any sale of Company assets. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to govern the rights and obligations of the Managers and Members and the conduct of the Company during the period of winding up the Company’s affairs. The Managers shall liquidate the assets of the Company, and apply and distribute the proceeds of such liquidation in the following order of priority, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable law:

(i) to creditors, including Managers and Members who are creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Company (whether by payment, by the establishment of reserves of cash or other assets of the Company or by other reasonable provision for payment), other than liabilities for distributions to Members and former Members under Sections 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act;

(ii) to Members and former Members in satisfaction of liabilities for distributions under 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act; and

(iii) thereafter to the Member, if only one, or if more than one, to the Members in proportion to the positive balances of their respective Capital Accounts (determined after allocating all income, gain, deduction, loss and other like items arising in connection with the liquidation of Company assets and otherwise making all Capital Account adjustments required by Section 7(c)).

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16(a) which require the liquidation of the assets of the Company, if on dissolution of the Company, the Managers determine that a prompt sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the value of Company assets, the Managers may defer for a reasonable time (up to three (3) years) the liquidation of any assets, except those necessary to timely satisfy liabilities of the Company (other than those to Members), and/or may distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common, undivided interests in such Company assets as the Managers deems not suitable for liquidation. Any such in-kind distributions (i) shall be made in accordance with the priorities referenced in Section 16(a) as if cash equal to the fair market value of the distributed assets were being distributed and (ii) shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition and management of the distributed properties as the Managers deems reasonable and equitable and to any joint operating agreements or other agreements governing the operation of such properties at such time. The Managers shall determine the fair market value of any property distributed in kind using such reasonable methods of valuation as they may adopt.

(c) Upon the completion of the distribution of the assets of the Company as provided in this Section 16, the Company shall be terminated, and the Managers shall cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Formation and all qualifications of the Company as a foreign limited liability company and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

 

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17. Limitation on Liability. The debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Manager, Member or officer of the Company shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Manager, Member or officer.

18. Standard of Care; Indemnification of Managers, Officers, Employees and Agents.

(a) No Manager or officer shall have any personal liability whatsoever to the Company or any Member on account of such Manager’s or officer’s status as a Manager or officer or by reason of such Manager’s or officer’s acts or omissions in connection with the conduct of the business of the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Manager or officer against any liability to the Company or the Members to which such Manager or officer would otherwise be subject by reason of (i) any act or omission of such Manager or officer that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Manager or officer derived improper personal benefit.

(b) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Managers and each officer and the affiliates of any Managers or officer (each an “Indemnified Person”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities (including, but not limited to, any investigation, legal and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any action, suit, proceeding or claim) of any kind or nature whatsoever that such Indemnified Person may at any time become subject to or liable for by reason of the formation, operation or termination of the Company, or the Indemnified Person’s acting as a Managers or officer under this Agreement, or the authorized actions of such Indemnified Person in connection with the conduct of the affairs of the Company (including, without limitation, indemnification against negligence, gross negligence or breach of duty); provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to indemnification if and to the extent that the liability otherwise to be indemnified for results from (i) any act or omission of such Indemnified Person that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Indemnified Person derived improper personal benefit. The indemnities provided hereunder shall survive termination of the Company and this Agreement. Each Indemnified Person shall have a claim against the property and assets of the Company for payment of any indemnity amounts from time to time due hereunder, which amounts shall be paid or properly reserved for prior to the making of distributions by the Company to Members. Costs and expenses that are subject to indemnification hereunder shall, at the request of any Indemnified Person, be advanced by the Company to or on behalf of such Indemnified Person prior to final resolution of a matter, so long as such Indemnified Person shall have provided the Company with a written undertaking to reimburse the Company for all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(c) The contract rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 18 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, vote of the Managers or otherwise.

 

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(d) The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Member, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware Act.

(e) The Company may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Managers, grant rights to indemnification and to advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Company to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 18 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of the Managers and officers of the Company.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, the Company shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Managers; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person shall be entitled to reimbursement of his or her reasonable counsel fees with respect to a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person to enforce his or her right to indemnity or advancement of expenses under the provisions of this Section 18 to the extent the Indemnified Person is successful on the merits in such proceeding (or part thereof).

19. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of all Managers.

20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. This Agreement constitutes an agreement of or among the Member(s) and between the Company and each Member.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement as of December 31, 2007.

 

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL INVESTMENTS, INC.
By:   /s/ Albert Chao
  Name:   Albert Chao
  Title:   President

 

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SCHEDULE I

Identification of Members,

Capital Contributions and Percentage Interests

 

Name & Address

  

Capital Contribution

  

Percentage Interest

Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

   The money, property or services previously contributed by the Initial Member to the Converted Limited Partnership, the identified and agreed value of which are recorded in the books and records of the Company.    100%


SCHEDULE II

Managers

 

A. Number of Managers:    1

 

B. Identification of Managers: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

Exhibit 3.18(a)

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION

CONVERTING

WESTLAKE STYRENE LP

(A Delaware Limited Partnership)

TO

WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC

(A Delaware Limited Liability Company)

This Certificate of Conversion is being filed for the purpose of converting Westlake Styrene LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Converting Limited Partnership”), to a Delaware limited liability company to be named “Westlake Styrene LLC” (the “Company”) pursuant to Section 18-214 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., and Section 17-219 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101 et seq.

The undersigned, as an authorized person of the Converting Limited Partnership and the Company, does hereby certify that:

1. Name of Converting Limited Partnership. The name of the Converting Limited Partnership immediately prior to the filing of this Certificate of Conversion was Westlake Styrene LP.

2. Date and Jurisdiction of Formation of Converting Limited Partnership. The date on which, and the jurisdiction where, the Converting Limited Partnership was formed are as follows:

 

Date

   Jurisdiction

December 20, 2000

   Delaware

3. Name of Converted Limited Liability Company. The name of the Company and the name set forth in the Certificate of Formation of the Company filed in accordance with Section 18-214(b) of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act is Westlake Styrene LLC.

4. Effective Time. This Certificate of Conversion shall be effective at 11:10 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate of Conversion as of this 31st day of December, 2007.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

 

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Exhibit 3.18(b)

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC

This Certificate of Formation is being executed as of December 31, 2007 in connection with the conversion of Westlake Styrene LP, a Delaware limited partnership, to a Delaware limited liability company.

The undersigned, being duly authorized to execute and file this Certificate, does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name. The name of the limited liability company is Westlake Styrene LLC (the “Company”).

2. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC.

3. Effective Date. This Certificate of Formation shall be effective at 11:10 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate of Formation as of the day and year first above written.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.18(c)

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

WESTLAKE STYRENE LLC

THE UNDERSIGNED is executing this Limited Liability Company Agreement (this “Agreement”) for the purpose of (i) effectuating the conversion of Westlake Styrene LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Converted Limited Partnership”), to a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and (ii) adopting a limited liability company agreement for the governance of the business and affairs of the Company, each pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq. (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Delaware Act”), and does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name; Formation. The name of the Company shall be Westlake Styrene LLC, or such other name as the Managers may from time to time hereafter designate. The Company constitutes a continuation of the existence of the Converted Limited Partnership in the form of a Delaware limited liability company. In accordance with Section 18-214(b) of the Delaware Act, the Certificate of Conversion (converting the Converted Limited Partnership to the Company) and the Certificate of Formation of the Company have been duly executed by a person designated by the Initial Member or by an officer, agent or employee of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware (any such person being an authorized person to take such action) and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. As provided in Section 18-214(d) of the Delaware Act, the existence of the Company is deemed to have commenced on December 20, 2000, the date the Converted Limited Partnership was originally formed under the laws of the State of Delaware.

2. Definitions; Rules of Construction. In addition to terms otherwise defined herein, the following terms are used herein as defined below:

“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the cash, property, services or promissory obligations (if any) contributed by such Member to the Company in accordance with Section 7 hereof (the amount or agreed value of which is set forth on Schedule I).

“Initial Member” means Westlake Chemical Holdings, Inc.

“Interest” means the ownership interest of a Member in the Company (which shall be considered personal property for all purposes), consisting of (i) such Member’s Percentage Interest in profits, losses, allocations and distributions, (ii) such Member’s right to vote or grant or withhold consents with respect to Company matters as provided herein or in the Delaware Act and (iii) such Member’s other rights and privileges as provided herein or in the Delaware Act.


“Majority in Interest of the Members” means Members whose Percentage Interests aggregate to greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Percentage Interests of all Members.

“Manager” means a manager of the Company as designated in, or selected pursuant to, Section 8(d) hereof. Each Manager shall constitute a ‘manager’, as such term is defined in Section 18-101 of the Delaware Act.

“Members” means the Initial Member and all other persons or entities admitted as additional or substituted Members pursuant to this Agreement, so long as they remain Members. Reference to a “Member” means any one of the Members.

“Percentage Interest” means a Member’s share of the profits and losses of the Company and the Member’s percentage right to receive distributions of the Company’s assets. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be the percentage set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule I, as such Schedule shall be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. The combined Percentage Interest of all Members shall at all times equal one hundred percent (100%).

Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires, and, as used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provisions hereof.

3. Purpose. The business and purpose of the Company shall be to invest Company assets in, and to acquire, hold, dispose of, manage or otherwise exercise rights with respect to, property of any nature, real or personal, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the foregoing. The Company may engage in such activities directly or through partnerships, funds, joint ventures or other business structures. The Company may also engage in any other businesses or activities that may be engaged in by a limited liability company formed under the Delaware Act, as such other activities may be approved from time to time by the Managers.

4. Offices.

(a) The principal office of the Company, and such additional offices as the Managers may determine to establish, shall be located at such place or places inside or outside the State of Delaware as the Managers may designate from time to time.

 

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(b) The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19803. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC. The Managers may change such registered office and/or registered agent from time to time.

5. Members. The name and business or residence address of each Member of the Company is as set forth on Schedule I, as the same may be amended from time to time.

6. Term. The term of the Company shall be perpetual unless the Company is dissolved and terminated in accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement.

7. Capital Contributions; Capital Accounts; Administrative Matters.

(a) The Initial Member has contributed to the Company the cash, property, services or promissory obligations set forth or referenced on Schedule I. Except as otherwise agreed by the Managers, the Initial Member shall have no right or obligation to make any further capital contributions to the Company. Persons or entities hereafter admitted as Members of the Company shall make such contributions of cash, property, services or promissory obligations to the Company as shall be determined by the Managers, at the time of each such admission.

(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the Initial Member is the sole Member of the Company. At all times that the Company has only one Member, the Company shall be disregarded for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes and all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Company shall be treated as items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Member.

(c) If at any time the Company has more than one Member, it is the intention of the Members that the Company shall be taxed as a “partnership” for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes, and the following provisions shall apply:

(i) A single, separate capital account shall be established and maintained for each Member. Each Member’s capital account shall be credited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities secured by such contributed property that the Company assumes or takes subject to) contributed by that Member to the Company; the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by such Member (other than in connection with a distribution of Company property); and such Member’s distributive share of Company profits (including tax exempt income). Each Member’s capital account shall be debited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities that such Member assumes or takes subject to) distributed to such Member; the amount of any liabilities of such Member assumed by the Company (other than in connection with a contribution); and such Member’s distributive share of Company losses (including items that may be neither deducted nor capitalized for federal income tax purposes).

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each Member’s capital account shall be maintained and adjusted in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”), including, without limitation, (x) the adjustments permitted or required by Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b) and, to the extent applicable, the principles expressed in Internal Revenue Code Section 704(c) and (y) adjustments required to maintain capital accounts in accordance with the “substantial economic effect test” set forth in the Regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b). No Member shall have any obligation to contribute any amount to the Company in the event of a negative balance of its capital account, and the Members’ intend to use a “qualified income offset” provision as defined in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations.

(iii) Any Member, including any substitute Member, who shall receive an Interest (or whose Interest shall be increased) by means of a transfer to him of all or a part of the Interest of another Member, shall have a capital account that reflects the capital account associated with the transferred Interest (or the applicable percentage thereof in case of a transfer of a part of an Interest).

(iv) All items of Company income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests as set forth on Schedule I.

(d) The fiscal year of the Company shall be a calendar year. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, the books and records of the Company shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) (i) Each Member’s Interest shall be recorded on the books of the Company and, unless otherwise determined by the Managers, no certificate evidencing a Member’s Interest in the Company (each, a “Certificate”) shall be issued. The Company shall keep or cause to be kept a register in which, subject to such regulations as the Managers may adopt, the Company will provide for the registration of Interests and the registration of transfers of Interests. The Company shall maintain such register and provide for such registration. The books of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the ownership of all Interests in the Company. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, the Interests in the Company shall be transferable on the books of the Company by the record holder thereof or by its duly authorized agent upon delivery to the Company of a duly executed instrument of transfer, a written agreement of the transferee to be bound by all terms and conditions hereof and such other instruments as the Managers may reasonably require and such evidence of the genuineness of the execution and authorization of the foregoing as may be required by the Managers. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, upon delivery of the foregoing instruments and compliance with the foregoing conditions, the transfer shall be recorded on the books of the Company. Until a transfer is so recorded, the owners of record of Interests shall be deemed to be the owners for all purposes hereunder and neither any Member nor the Company shall be affected by any notice of a proposed transfer.

 

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(ii) In the event that the Managers determine to issue Certificates, the following shall apply:

(A) Each Certificate shall be executed by such persons as are designated by the Managers.

(B) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Certificate, and subject to the further provisions of this Section 7(e) and the limitations on transfer contained elsewhere in this Agreement, the Company will cause the execution, in the name of the registered holder or the designated transferee, of one or more new Certificates, evidencing the same aggregate Percentage Interest as did the Certificate surrendered. Every Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Managers duly executed, by the registered holder thereof or such holder’s authorized attorney.

(C) The Company shall issue a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the record holder of the Certificate (w) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen, (x) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the Company has received notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim, (y) if requested by the Managers, delivers to the Company a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, with such surety or sureties and with fixed or open liability as the Managers may direct, to indemnify the Company, as registrar, against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate, and (z) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Managers.

(iii) An Interest in the Company evidenced by a Certificate shall constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, as in effect in Delaware or any other applicable jurisdiction (the “UCC”). An Interest in the Company not evidenced by a Certificate shall not constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the UCC. Delaware law shall constitute the local law of the Company’s jurisdiction in its capacity as the issuer of Interests.

8. Management of the Company.

(a) Subject to the delegation of rights and powers as provided for herein and except as otherwise herein provided, management of the Company is vested in the Managers and the Managers shall have the sole right and authority to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the Company and shall have all powers and rights necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate and carry out the purposes, powers, business and other activities of the Company. The Managers may appoint, employ or otherwise contract with any persons or entities for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company, and the Managers may delegate to any such person (who may be designated an officer of the Company) or entity such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Managers may from time to time deem appropriate. No Member, by reason of its status as such, shall have any authority to act for or bind the Company or otherwise take part in the management of the business or affairs of the Company.

 

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(b) Without limitation of Section 8(a), the powers of the Managers shall include the power to do or cause the Company to do any of the following:

(i) expend Company funds in connection with the operation of the business of the Company or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement;

(ii) employ and dismiss from employment any and all officers, employees, agents, independent contractors, attorneys and accountants;

(iii) prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, defend, compromise, settle or accept judgment on claims against the Company and execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;

(iv) borrow money on behalf of the Company from any person, issue promissory notes, drafts and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, secure payment of any such indebtedness by mortgage, pledge or assignment of property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, or guarantee the obligations of others;

(v) hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange, otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to all property of whatever nature held or owned by, or licensed to, the Company;

(vi) have and maintain one or more offices at such place or places as is determined by the Managers;

(vii) open, maintain and close bank accounts, money market accounts or investment, custody or other financial accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of monies;

(viii) engage accountants, custodians, consultants and attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants (professional and nonprofessional) and pay such compensation in connection with such engagements that the Managers determine is appropriate;

(ix) maintain such insurance relating to the business of the Company, upon such terms, as the Managers determine is appropriate; and

(x) enter into, execute, make, amend, supplement, acknowledge, deliver and cause the Company to perform any and all contracts, agreements, licenses and other instruments, undertakings and understandings that the Managers determine are necessary, appropriate or incidental to carrying on the business and affairs of the Company.

(c) The Managers may authorize any Manager(s), Member(s), officer(s), agent(s) or employee(s) to enter into any contract, to execute any instrument or certificate (including any certificate to be filed on behalf of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware under the Delaware Act) or to take any other action in the name of

 

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and on behalf of the Company, and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Managers or within the agency power of an officer, no Manager, Member, officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

(d) The number of Managers of the Company shall be as set forth on Schedule II or such other number as the Managers shall determine from time to time. The initial Manager or Managers are identified on Schedule II. Managers shall serve until their respective successors are duly elected by the Members or until their earlier death, retirement, incapacity or removal. Managers may be removed with or without cause by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. Vacancies in the number of Managers from whatever cause shall be filled by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. The Managers shall amend Schedule II from time to time to reflect changes in the number or identity of Managers made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8(d).

(e) Except as to actions herein specified to be taken by all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously, the duties and powers of the Managers may be exercised by a majority in number of all Managers (or by any Manager acting pursuant to authority delegated by a majority in number of the Managers). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at any time that there is only one Manager, (i) any and all actions provided for herein to be taken or approved by the “Managers” shall be taken or approved by the sole Manager and (ii) the taking of any lawful action by the Manager on behalf of the Company, including the execution and/or delivery of any instrument, certificate, filing or document by the Manager on behalf of the Company, or the adoption by the Manager of authorizing resolutions with respect to any matter, shall constitute and evidence the due authorization of such action or matter on behalf of the Company.

(f) Regular meetings of the Managers shall be held in accordance with a schedule of meetings to be adopted by resolution of the Managers and no notice of any such regular meeting shall be required. Special meetings of the Managers may be called by any Manager upon not less than two (2) business days prior written notice to all Managers stating the purpose or purposes thereof; provided that any Manager may waive such notice prior to, at or after the meeting. The presence in person of a majority in number of all managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of Managers, except that the presence of all Managers shall be required as to actions herein specified to be taken all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously. Any meeting of Managers may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Managers participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Managers participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Managers may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken executed by such number of Managers as would be required to take such action in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the Delaware Act. Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts. If any action is taken by the Managers by the written consent of less than all of the Managers, prompt notice of the taking of such action shall be furnished to each Manager who did not execute such written consent (provided that the effectiveness of such action shall not be impaired by any delay or failure to furnish such notice).

 

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(g) A Manager shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any of its other Managers or its Members, officers, employees or committees, or by any other person as to matters the Manager reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company (including, without limitation, information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and the amount of the assets, liabilities, profits or losses of the Company or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to Members might properly be paid). In addition, the Managers may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by them, and any opinion of any such person as to matters which the Managers reasonably believe to be within such person’s professional or expert competence shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the Managers hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

9. Member Approvals; Meetings of Members.

(a) Members shall have no right to vote or consent to any matters, including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization of the Company, except to the extent required by applicable law or as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Any action required to be taken by the Members under applicable law may be taken by vote of the Members at a meeting. Meetings may be called by the Managers upon not less than five (5) days prior written notice to all other Members. The notice shall specify the place and time of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. A written waiver of notice, signed by a Member, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice to such Member. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, meetings of Members shall be held at the principal place of business of the Company. Meetings of the Members may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Members participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Members participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. At any meeting of Members, a Majority in Interest of the Members, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, except that the presence of all Members shall be required as to actions to be taken by all of the Members or by the Members acting unanimously. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Members may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken signed by a Majority in Interest of the Members (or Members holding such higher aggregate Percentage Interest as is required to authorize or take such action under applicable law). Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts.

 

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10. Assignments of Company Interests.

(a) No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber (collectively “transfer”) all or any part of its Interest in the Company, and no transferee of all or any part of the Interest of a Member shall be admitted as a substituted Member, without, in either event, having obtained the prior consent of all Managers.

(b) The Managers shall amend Schedule I from time to time to reflect transfers made in accordance with, and as permitted under, this Section 10. Any purported transfer in violation of this Section 10 shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Company.

11. Resignation. No Member shall have the right to resign from the Company except with the consent of all Managers and upon such terms and conditions as may be specifically agreed upon between the Managers and the resigning Member. The provisions hereof with respect to distributions upon resignation are exclusive and no Member shall be entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon resignation under Section 18-604 of the Delaware Act or otherwise. A Manager may resign at any time upon giving the Company not less than ten (10) days prior notice of the effective date of resignation.

12. Additional Members. The Managers shall have the right to admit additional Members upon such terms and conditions, at such time or times, and for such Capital Contributions as shall be determined by such Members; and in connection with any such admission, the Managers shall amend Schedule I to reflect the name, address and Capital Contribution of the additional Member and any agreed upon changes in Percentage Interests.

13. Distributions. Distributions of cash or other assets of the Company shall be made at such times and in such amounts as the Managers acting unanimously may determine. Distributions shall be made to the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

14. Return of Capital. No Manager or Member shall have any liability for the return of any Member’s Capital Contribution, which Capital Contribution shall be payable solely from the assets of the Company.

15. Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up and terminated upon the first to occur of the following:

(a) The determination of the Managers to dissolve the Company; or

(b) The occurrence of any event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued as permitted under the Delaware Act.

 

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16. Winding Up of the Company.

(a) If the Company is dissolved pursuant to Section 15, the Managers shall proceed to wind up the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the Delaware Act. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the period of winding up in light of prevailing market conditions and so as to avoid undue loss in connection with any sale of Company assets. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to govern the rights and obligations of the Managers and Members and the conduct of the Company during the period of winding up the Company’s affairs. The Managers shall liquidate the assets of the Company, and apply and distribute the proceeds of such liquidation in the following order of priority, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable law:

(i) to creditors, including Managers and Members who are creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Company (whether by payment, by the establishment of reserves of cash or other assets of the Company or by other reasonable provision for payment), other than liabilities for distributions to Members and former Members under Sections 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act;

(ii) to Members and former Members in satisfaction of liabilities for distributions under 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act; and

(iii) thereafter to the Member, if only one, or if more than one, to the Members in proportion to the positive balances of their respective Capital Accounts (determined after allocating all income, gain, deduction, loss and other like items arising in connection with the liquidation of Company assets and otherwise making all Capital Account adjustments required by Section 7(c)).

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16(a) which require the liquidation of the assets of the Company, if on dissolution of the Company, the Managers determine that a prompt sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the value of Company assets, the Managers may defer for a reasonable time (up to three (3) years) the liquidation of any assets, except those necessary to timely satisfy liabilities of the Company (other than those to Members), and/or may distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common, undivided interests in such Company assets as the Managers deems not suitable for liquidation. Any such in-kind distributions (i) shall be made in accordance with the priorities referenced in Section 16(a) as if cash equal to the fair market value of the distributed assets were being distributed and (ii) shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition and management of the distributed properties as the Managers deems reasonable and equitable and to any joint operating agreements or other agreements governing the operation of such properties at such time. The Managers shall determine the fair market value of any property distributed in kind using such reasonable methods of valuation as they may adopt.

(c) Upon the completion of the distribution of the assets of the Company as provided in this Section 16, the Company shall be terminated, and the Managers shall cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Formation and all qualifications of the Company as a foreign limited liability company and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

 

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17. Limitation on Liability. The debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Manager, Member or officer of the Company shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Manager, Member or officer.

18. Standard of Care; Indemnification of Managers, Officers, Employees and Agents.

(a) No Manager or officer shall have any personal liability whatsoever to the Company or any Member on account of such Manager’s or officer’s status as a Manager or officer or by reason of such Manager’s or officer’s acts or omissions in connection with the conduct of the business of the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Manager or officer against any liability to the Company or the Members to which such Manager or officer would otherwise be subject by reason of (i) any act or omission of such Manager or officer that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Manager or officer derived improper personal benefit.

(b) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Managers and each officer and the affiliates of any Managers or officer (each an “Indemnified Person”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities (including, but not limited to, any investigation, legal and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any action, suit, proceeding or claim) of any kind or nature whatsoever that such Indemnified Person may at any time become subject to or liable for by reason of the formation, operation or termination of the Company, or the Indemnified Person’s acting as a Managers or officer under this Agreement, or the authorized actions of such Indemnified Person in connection with the conduct of the affairs of the Company (including, without limitation, indemnification against negligence, gross negligence or breach of duty); provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to indemnification if and to the extent that the liability otherwise to be indemnified for results from (i) any act or omission of such Indemnified Person that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Indemnified Person derived improper personal benefit. The indemnities provided hereunder shall survive termination of the Company and this Agreement. Each Indemnified Person shall have a claim against the property and assets of the Company for payment of any indemnity amounts from time to time due hereunder, which amounts shall be paid or properly reserved for prior to the making of distributions by the Company to Members. Costs and expenses that are subject to indemnification hereunder shall, at the request of any Indemnified Person, be advanced by the Company to or on behalf of such Indemnified Person prior to final resolution of a matter, so long as such Indemnified Person shall have provided the Company with a written undertaking to reimburse the Company for all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(c) The contract rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 18 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, vote of the Managers or otherwise.

 

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(d) The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Member, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware Act.

(e) The Company may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Managers, grant rights to indemnification and to advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Company to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 18 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of the Managers and officers of the Company.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, the Company shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Managers; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person shall be entitled to reimbursement of his or her reasonable counsel fees with respect to a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person to enforce his or her right to indemnity or advancement of expenses under the provisions of this Section 18 to the extent the Indemnified Person is successful on the merits in such proceeding (or part thereof).

19. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of all Managers.

20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. This Agreement constitutes an agreement of or among the Member(s) and between the Company and each Member.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement as of December 31, 2007.

 

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Albert Chao
  Name:   Albert Chao
  Title:   President

 

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SCHEDULE I

Identification of Members,

Capital Contributions and Percentage Interests

 

Name & Address

  

Capital Contribution

  

Percentage Interest

Westlake Chemical Holdings, Inc.

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

   The money, property or services previously contributed by the Initial Member to the Converted Limited Partnership, the identified and agreed value of which are recorded in the books and records of the Company.    100%


SCHEDULE II

Managers

 

A. Number of Managers:    1

 

B. Identification of Managers: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

Exhibit 3.21(a)

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

WPT LLC

This Certificate of Formation is being executed as of December 31, 2007 for the purpose of forming a limited liability company pursuant to the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq.

The undersigned, being duly authorized to execute and file this Certificate, does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name. The name of the limited liability company is WPT LLC (the “Company”).

2. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19803. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC.

3. Effective Date. This Certificate of Formation shall be effective at 11:00 pm (EST) on December 31, 2007.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate of Formation as of the day and year first above written.

 

/s/ Albert Chao
Name:   Albert Chao
Authorized Person

Exhibit 3.21(b)

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

WPT LLC

THE UNDERSIGNED is executing this Limited Liability Company Agreement (this “Agreement”) for the purpose of forming a limited liability company (the “Company”) pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq. (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Delaware Act”), and does hereby certify as follows:

1. Name; Formation. The name of the Company shall be WPT LLC, or such other name as the Managers may from time to time hereafter designate. The Company shall be formed upon the execution and filing by the Managers, by any person designated by the Managers or by any officer, agent or employee of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware (any such person being hereby authorized to take such action) of a certificate of formation of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware setting forth the information required by Section 18-201 of the Delaware Act.

2. Definitions; Rules of Construction. In addition to terms otherwise defined herein, the following terms are used herein as defined below:

“Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the cash, property, services or promissory obligations (if any) contributed by such Member to the Company in accordance with Section 7 hereof (the amount or agreed value of which is set forth on Schedule I).

“Initial Member” means Westlake Polymers LP.

“Interest” means the ownership interest of a Member in the Company (which shall be considered personal property for all purposes), consisting of (i) such Member’s Percentage Interest in profits, losses, allocations and distributions, (ii) such Member’s right to vote or grant or withhold consents with respect to Company matters as provided herein or in the Delaware Act and (iii) such Member’s other rights and privileges as provided herein or in the Delaware Act.

“Majority in Interest of the Members” means Members whose Percentage Interests aggregate to greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Percentage Interests of all Members.

“Manager” means a manager of the Company as designated in, or selected pursuant to, Section 8(d) hereof. Each Manager shall constitute a ‘manager’, as such term is defined in Section 18-101 of the Delaware Act.


“Members” means the Initial Member and all other persons or entities admitted as additional or substituted Members pursuant to this Agreement, so long as they remain Members. Reference to a “Member” means any one of the Members.

“Percentage Interest” means a Member’s share of the profits and losses of the Company and the Member’s percentage right to receive distributions of the Company’s assets. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be the percentage set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule I, as such Schedule shall be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. The combined Percentage Interest of all Members shall at all times equal one hundred percent (100%).

Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires, and, as used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provisions hereof.

3. Purpose. The business and purpose of the Company shall be to invest Company assets in, and to acquire, hold, dispose of, manage or otherwise exercise rights with respect to, property of any nature, real or personal, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the foregoing. The Company may engage in such activities directly or through partnerships, funds, joint ventures or other business structures. The Company may also engage in any other businesses or activities that may be engaged in by a limited liability company formed under the Delaware Act, as such other activities may be approved from time to time by the Managers.

4. Offices.

(a) The principal office of the Company, and such additional offices as the Managers may determine to establish, shall be located at such place or places inside or outside the State of Delaware as the Managers may designate from time to time.

(b) The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is located at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19803. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is CSC Entity Services, LLC. The Managers may change such registered office and/or registered agent from time to time.

5. Members. The name and business or residence address of each Member of the Company is as set forth on Schedule I, as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

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6. Term. The term of the Company shall be perpetual unless the Company is dissolved and terminated in accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement.

7. Capital Contributions; Capital Accounts; Administrative Matters.

(a) The Initial Member has contributed to the Company the cash, property, services or promissory obligations set forth or referenced on Schedule I. Except as otherwise agreed by the Managers, the Initial Member shall have no right or obligation to make any further capital contributions to the Company. Persons or entities hereafter admitted as Members of the Company shall make such contributions of cash, property, services or promissory obligations to the Company as shall be determined by the Managers, at the time of each such admission.

(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the Initial Member is the sole Member of the Company. At all times that the Company has only one Member, the Company shall be disregarded for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes and all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Company shall be treated as items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like of the Member.

(c) If at any time the Company has more than one Member, it is the intention of the Members that the Company shall be taxed as a “partnership” for federal and, where applicable, state, local and foreign income tax purposes, and the following provisions shall apply:

(i) A single, separate capital account shall be established and maintained for each Member. Each Member’s capital account shall be credited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities secured by such contributed property that the Company assumes or takes subject to) contributed by that Member to the Company; the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by such Member (other than in connection with a distribution of Company property); and such Member’s distributive share of Company profits (including tax exempt income). Each Member’s capital account shall be debited with the amount of money and the fair market value of property (net of any liabilities that such Member assumes or takes subject to) distributed to such Member; the amount of any liabilities of such Member assumed by the Company (other than in connection with a contribution); and such Member’s distributive share of Company losses (including items that may be neither deducted nor capitalized for federal income tax purposes).

(ii) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each Member’s capital account shall be maintained and adjusted in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”), including, without limitation, (x) the adjustments permitted or required by Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b) and, to the extent applicable, the principles expressed in Internal Revenue Code Section 704(c) and (y) adjustments required to maintain capital accounts in accordance with the “substantial economic effect test” set forth in the Regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b). No Member shall have any obligation to contribute any amount to the Company in the event of a negative balance of its capital account, and the Members’ intend to use a “qualified income offset” provision as defined in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations.

 

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(iii) Any Member, including any substitute Member, who shall receive an Interest (or whose Interest shall be increased) by means of a transfer to him of all or a part of the Interest of another Member, shall have a capital account that reflects the capital account associated with the transferred Interest (or the applicable percentage thereof in case of a transfer of a part of an Interest).

(iv) All items of Company income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or the like shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests as set forth on Schedule I.

(d) The fiscal year of the Company shall be a calendar year. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, the books and records of the Company shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) (i) Each Member’s Interest shall be recorded on the books of the Company and, unless otherwise determined by the Managers, no certificate evidencing a Member’s Interest in the Company (each, a “Certificate”) shall be issued. The Company shall keep or cause to be kept a register in which, subject to such regulations as the Managers may adopt, the Company will provide for the registration of Interests and the registration of transfers of Interests. The Company shall maintain such register and provide for such registration. The books of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the ownership of all Interests in the Company. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, the Interests in the Company shall be transferable on the books of the Company by the record holder thereof or by its duly authorized agent upon delivery to the Company of a duly executed instrument of transfer, a written agreement of the transferee to be bound by all terms and conditions hereof and such other instruments as the Managers may reasonably require and such evidence of the genuineness of the execution and authorization of the foregoing as may be required by the Managers. Subject to the further terms of this Agreement, including the restrictions and limitations on transfer set forth in Section 10 hereof, upon delivery of the foregoing instruments and compliance with the foregoing conditions, the transfer shall be recorded on the books of the Company. Until a transfer is so recorded, the owners of record of Interests shall be deemed to be the owners for all purposes hereunder and neither any Member nor the Company shall be affected by any notice of a proposed transfer.

(ii) In the event that the Managers determine to issue Certificates, the following shall apply:

(A) Each Certificate shall be executed by such persons as are designated by the Managers.

(B) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Certificate, and subject to the further provisions of this Section 7(e) and the limitations on transfer contained elsewhere in this Agreement, the Company will cause the execution, in the name of the

 

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registered holder or the designated transferee, of one or more new Certificates, evidencing the same aggregate Percentage Interest as did the Certificate surrendered. Every Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Managers duly executed, by the registered holder thereof or such holder’s authorized attorney.

(C) The Company shall issue a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the record holder of the Certificate (w) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen, (x) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the Company has received notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim, (y) if requested by the Managers, delivers to the Company a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managers, with such surety or sureties and with fixed or open liability as the Managers may direct, to indemnify the Company, as registrar, against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate, and (z) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Managers.

(iii) An Interest in the Company evidenced by a Certificate shall constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, as in effect in Delaware or any other applicable jurisdiction (the “UCC”). An Interest in the Company not evidenced by a Certificate shall not constitute a security for all purposes of Article 8 of the UCC. Delaware law shall constitute the local law of the Company’s jurisdiction in its capacity as the issuer of Interests.

8. Management of the Company.

(a) Subject to the delegation of rights and powers as provided for herein and except as otherwise herein provided, management of the Company is vested in the Managers and the Managers shall have the sole right and authority to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the Company and shall have all powers and rights necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate and carry out the purposes, powers, business and other activities of the Company. The Managers may appoint, employ or otherwise contract with any persons or entities for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company, and the Managers may delegate to any such person (who may be designated an officer of the Company) or entity such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Managers may from time to time deem appropriate. No Member, by reason of its status as such, shall have any authority to act for or bind the Company or otherwise take part in the management of the business or affairs of the Company.

(b) Without limitation of Section 8(a), the powers of the Managers shall include the power to do or cause the Company to do any of the following:

(i) expend Company funds in connection with the operation of the business of the Company or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement;

 

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(ii) employ and dismiss from employment any and all officers, employees, agents, independent contractors, attorneys and accountants;

(iii) prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, defend, compromise, settle or accept judgment on claims against the Company and execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;

(iv) borrow money on behalf of the Company from any person, issue promissory notes, drafts and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, secure payment of any such indebtedness by mortgage, pledge or assignment of property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, or guarantee the obligations of others;

(v) hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange, otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to all property of whatever nature held or owned by, or licensed to, the Company;

(vi) have and maintain one or more offices at such place or places as is determined by the Managers;

(vii) open, maintain and close bank accounts, money market accounts or investment, custody or other financial accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of monies;

(viii) engage accountants, custodians, consultants and attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants (professional and nonprofessional) and pay such compensation in connection with such engagements that the Managers determine is appropriate;

(ix) maintain such insurance relating to the business of the Company, upon such terms, as the Managers determine is appropriate; and

(x) enter into, execute, make, amend, supplement, acknowledge, deliver and cause the Company to perform any and all contracts, agreements, licenses and other instruments, undertakings and understandings that the Managers determine are necessary, appropriate or incidental to carrying on the business and affairs of the Company.

(c) The Managers may authorize any Manager(s), Member(s), officer(s), agent(s) or employee(s) to enter into any contract, to execute any instrument or certificate (including any certificate to be filed on behalf of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware under the Delaware Act) or to take any other action in the name of and on behalf of the Company, and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Managers or within the agency power of an officer, no Manager, Member, officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

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(d) The number of Managers of the Company shall be as set forth on Schedule II or such other number as the Managers shall determine from time to time. The initial Manager or Managers are identified on Schedule II. Managers shall serve until their respective successors are duly elected by the Members or until their earlier death, retirement, incapacity or removal. Managers may be removed with or without cause by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. Vacancies in the number of Managers from whatever cause shall be filled by a vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members. The Managers shall amend Schedule II from time to time to reflect changes in the number or identity of Managers made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8(d).

(e) Except as to actions herein specified to be taken by all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously, the duties and powers of the Managers may be exercised by a majority in number of all Managers (or by any Manager acting pursuant to authority delegated by a majority in number of the Managers). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at any time that there is only one Manager, (i) any and all actions provided for herein to be taken or approved by the “Managers” shall be taken or approved by the sole Manager and (ii) the taking of any lawful action by the Manager on behalf of the Company, including the execution and/or delivery of any instrument, certificate, filing or document by the Manager on behalf of the Company, or the adoption by the Manager of authorizing resolutions with respect to any matter, shall constitute and evidence the due authorization of such action or matter on behalf of the Company.

(f) Regular meetings of the Managers shall be held in accordance with a schedule of meetings to be adopted by resolution of the Managers and no notice of any such regular meeting shall be required. Special meetings of the Managers may be called by any Manager upon not less than two (2) business days prior written notice to all Managers stating the purpose or purposes thereof; provided that any Manager may waive such notice prior to, at or after the meeting. The presence in person of a majority in number of all managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of Managers, except that the presence of all Managers shall be required as to actions herein specified to be taken all of the Managers or by the Managers acting unanimously. Any meeting of Managers may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Managers participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Managers participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Managers may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken executed by such number of Managers as would be required to take such action in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the Delaware Act. Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts. If any action is taken by the Managers by the written consent of less than all of the Managers, prompt notice of the taking of such action shall be furnished to each Manager who did not execute such written consent (provided that the effectiveness of such action shall not be impaired by any delay or failure to furnish such notice).

(g) A Manager shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any of its other Managers or its Members, officers, employees or committees, or by any other person as to matters the Manager reasonably believes are within such other

 

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person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company (including, without limitation, information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and the amount of the assets, liabilities, profits or losses of the Company or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to Members might properly be paid). In addition, the Managers may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by them, and any opinion of any such person as to matters which the Managers reasonably believe to be within such person’s professional or expert competence shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the Managers hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

9. Member Approvals; Meetings of Members.

(a) Members shall have no right to vote or consent to any matters, including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization of the Company, except to the extent required by applicable law or as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Any action required to be taken by the Members under applicable law may be taken by vote of the Members at a meeting. Meetings may be called by the Managers upon not less than five (5) days prior written notice to all other Members. The notice shall specify the place and time of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. A written waiver of notice, signed by a Member, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice to such Member. Unless otherwise determined by the Managers, meetings of Members shall be held at the principal place of business of the Company. Meetings of the Members may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all Members participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all Members participating by telephone or similar communication equipment shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting. At any meeting of Members, a Majority in Interest of the Members, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, except that the presence of all Members shall be required as to actions to be taken by all of the Members or by the Members acting unanimously. In lieu of a meeting, any action to be taken by the Members may be taken by a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken signed by a Majority in Interest of the Members (or Members holding such higher aggregate Percentage Interest as is required to authorize or take such action under applicable law). Any such written consent may be executed and delivered by telecopy or similar electronic means and may be signed in multiple counterparts.

10. Assignments of Company Interests.

(a) No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber (collectively “transfer”) all or any part of its Interest in the Company, and no transferee of all or any part of the Interest of a Member shall be admitted as a substituted Member, without, in either event, having obtained the prior consent of all Managers.

 

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(b) The Managers shall amend Schedule I from time to time to reflect transfers made in accordance with, and as permitted under, this Section 10. Any purported transfer in violation of this Section 10 shall be null and void and shall not be recognized by the Company.

11. Resignation. No Member shall have the right to resign from the Company except with the consent of all Managers and upon such terms and conditions as may be specifically agreed upon between the Managers and the resigning Member. The provisions hereof with respect to distributions upon resignation are exclusive and no Member shall be entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon resignation under Section 18-604 of the Delaware Act or otherwise. A Manager may resign at any time upon giving the Company not less than ten (10) days prior notice of the effective date of resignation.

12. Additional Members. The Managers shall have the right to admit additional Members upon such terms and conditions, at such time or times, and for such Capital Contributions as shall be determined by such Members; and in connection with any such admission, the Managers shall amend Schedule I to reflect the name, address and Capital Contribution of the additional Member and any agreed upon changes in Percentage Interests.

13. Distributions. Distributions of cash or other assets of the Company shall be made at such times and in such amounts as the Managers acting unanimously may determine. Distributions shall be made to the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

14. Return of Capital. No Manager or Member shall have any liability for the return of any Member’s Capital Contribution, which Capital Contribution shall be payable solely from the assets of the Company.

15. Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up and terminated upon the first to occur of the following:

(a) The determination of the Managers to dissolve the Company; or

(b) The occurrence of any event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued as permitted under the Delaware Act.

16. Winding Up of the Company.

(a) If the Company is dissolved pursuant to Section 15, the Managers shall proceed to wind up the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the Delaware Act. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the period of winding up in light of prevailing market conditions and so as to avoid undue loss in connection with any sale of Company assets. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to govern the rights and obligations of the Managers and Members and the conduct of the Company during the period of winding up the Company’s affairs. The Managers shall liquidate the assets of the Company, and apply and distribute the proceeds of such liquidation in the following order of priority, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable law:

(i) to creditors, including Managers and Members who are creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Company (whether by payment, by the establishment of reserves of cash or other assets of the Company or by other reasonable provision for payment), other than liabilities for distributions to Members and former Members under Sections 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act;

 

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(ii) to Members and former Members in satisfaction of liabilities for distributions under 18-601 or 18-604 of the Delaware Act; and

(iii) thereafter to the Member, if only one, or if more than one, to the Members in proportion to the positive balances of their respective Capital Accounts (determined after allocating all income, gain, deduction, loss and other like items arising in connection with the liquidation of Company assets and otherwise making all Capital Account adjustments required by Section 7(c)).

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16(a) which require the liquidation of the assets of the Company, if on dissolution of the Company, the Managers determine that a prompt sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the value of Company assets, the Managers may defer for a reasonable time (up to three (3) years) the liquidation of any assets, except those necessary to timely satisfy liabilities of the Company (other than those to Members), and/or may distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common, undivided interests in such Company assets as the Managers deems not suitable for liquidation. Any such in-kind distributions (i) shall be made in accordance with the priorities referenced in Section 16(a) as if cash equal to the fair market value of the distributed assets were being distributed and (ii) shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition and management of the distributed properties as the Managers deems reasonable and equitable and to any joint operating agreements or other agreements governing the operation of such properties at such time. The Managers shall determine the fair market value of any property distributed in kind using such reasonable methods of valuation as they may adopt.

(c) Upon the completion of the distribution of the assets of the Company as provided in this Section 16, the Company shall be terminated, and the Managers shall cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Formation and all qualifications of the Company as a foreign limited liability company and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

17. Limitation on Liability. The debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Manager, Member or officer of the Company shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Manager, Member or officer.

 

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18. Standard of Care; Indemnification of Managers, Officers, Employees and Agents.

(a) No Manager or officer shall have any personal liability whatsoever to the Company or any Member on account of such Manager’s or officer’s status as a Manager or officer or by reason of such Manager’s or officer’s acts or omissions in connection with the conduct of the business of the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Manager or officer against any liability to the Company or the Members to which such Manager or officer would otherwise be subject by reason of (i) any act or omission of such Manager or officer that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Manager or officer derived improper personal benefit.

(b) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Managers and each officer and the affiliates of any Managers or officer (each an “Indemnified Person”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities (including, but not limited to, any investigation, legal and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any action, suit, proceeding or claim) of any kind or nature whatsoever that such Indemnified Person may at any time become subject to or liable for by reason of the formation, operation or termination of the Company, or the Indemnified Person’s acting as a Managers or officer under this Agreement, or the authorized actions of such Indemnified Person in connection with the conduct of the affairs of the Company (including, without limitation, indemnification against negligence, gross negligence or breach of duty); provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to indemnification if and to the extent that the liability otherwise to be indemnified for results from (i) any act or omission of such Indemnified Person that involves actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Indemnified Person derived improper personal benefit. The indemnities provided hereunder shall survive termination of the Company and this Agreement. Each Indemnified Person shall have a claim against the property and assets of the Company for payment of any indemnity amounts from time to time due hereunder, which amounts shall be paid or properly reserved for prior to the making of distributions by the Company to Members. Costs and expenses that are subject to indemnification hereunder shall, at the request of any Indemnified Person, be advanced by the Company to or on behalf of such Indemnified Person prior to final resolution of a matter, so long as such Indemnified Person shall have provided the Company with a written undertaking to reimburse the Company for all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(c) The contract rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 18 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, vote of the Managers or otherwise.

(d) The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Member, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware Act.

 

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(e) The Company may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Managers, grant rights to indemnification and to advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Company to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 18 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of the Managers and officers of the Company.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, the Company shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Managers; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person shall be entitled to reimbursement of his or her reasonable counsel fees with respect to a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnified Person to enforce his or her right to indemnity or advancement of expenses under the provisions of this Section 18 to the extent the Indemnified Person is successful on the merits in such proceeding (or part thereof).

19. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of all Managers.

20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. This Agreement constitutes an agreement of or among the Member(s) and between the Company and each Member.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement as of this 31st day of December, 2007.

 

WESTLAKE POLYMERS LP

By: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.,

its general partner

By:   /s/ Albert Chao
  Name:   Albert Chao
  Title:   President

 

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SCHEDULE I

Identification of Members,

Capital Contributions and Percentage Interests

 

Name & Address

  

Capital Contribution

  

Percentage Interest

Westlake Polymers LP    $100    100%
2801 Post Oak Boulevard      
Suite 600      
Houston, Texas 77056      


SCHEDULE II

Managers

 

A. Number of Managers:    1

 

B. Identification of Managers: Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

Exhibit 3.23(b)

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

to the

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

WESTLAKE NG II CORPORATION

Westlake NG II Corporation (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), hereby adopts this Certificate of Amendment (this “Certificate of Amendment”), which amends its Certificate of Incorporation, as described below, and does hereby further certify that:

1. The name of the Corporation is Westlake NG II Corporation.

2. The Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted a resolution proposing and declaring advisable the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation as described herein, and the Corporation’s sole stockholder duly adopted such amendment, all in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 228 of the DGCL.

3. The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation effected by this Certificate of Amendment changes the name of the Corporation to Westlake Longview Corporation.

4. The Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended by deleting the first article thereof and replacing in lieu thereof a new first article reading in its entirety as follows:

FIRST: The name of the corporation is Westlake Longview Corporation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this certificate to be executed this 2nd day of November, 2006.

 

WESTLAKE NG II CORPORATION
By:   /s/ Stephen Wallace
  Name:   Stephen Wallace
  Title:   Secretary

Exhibit 3.24(a)

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

WESTLAKE ETHYLENE PIPELINE CORPORATION

FIRST: The name of the corporation is Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation.

SECOND: The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).

FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

FIFTH: The number of directors of the corporation shall be as from time to time specified in, or determined in the manner provided in, the bylaws. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws so provide.

SIXTH: In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, adopt, amend, alter or repeal the bylaws of the corporation.

SEVENTH: No director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omission not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended after the date of filing of this certificate of incorporation to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

EIGHTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or

 

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stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

NINTH: The name and mailing address of the secretary/incorporator of the corporation until the first annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified is:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Stephen Wallace   

2801 Post Oak Boulevard,

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The undersigned secretary hereby acknowledges that the foregoing is his act and deed and that the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly has executed this certificate this 20th day of October, 2006.

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Stephen Wallace
Incorporator

 

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Exhibit 3.24(b)

BYLAWS

OF

WESTLAKE ETHYLENE PIPELINE CORPORATION

(hereinafter the “Corporation”)

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

Section 2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meeting the stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.

Section 2.3 Special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation as may be amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), special meetings of stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (a) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, or (b) the President, and shall be called by any officer of the Corporation at the instruction of a majority of the Board of Directors. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.


Section 2.4 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 2.5 Voting. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his or her discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

Section 2.6 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this Section 2.6 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

 

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ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 3.1 Number and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, but no decrease by the Board of Directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Except as provided in Section 3.2, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting of stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. A director need not be a stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the State of Delaware.

Section 3.2 Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute.

Section 3.3 Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 3.4 Meetings. Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board of Directors shall be held as soon after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble. Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the State of Delaware as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or a majority of the directors then in office. No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written, oral or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors thereat. Notice need not be given to any director or to any member of a committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him or her before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of any such person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when he or she attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

 

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Section 3.5 Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 3.6 Actions by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, in one document or in counterparts, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

Section 3.7 Meetings by Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.8 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

Section 3.9 Compensation. Directors as such may receive a stated salary for their services, fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. In addition, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

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ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall be a President and a Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also appoint a Treasurer and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation or directors of the Corporation.

Section 4.2 Election. The Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and may be altered from time to time except as otherwise provided by contract.

Section 4.3 President. The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. Unless the Board of Directors has provided otherwise, he or she shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by these bylaws or by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the appointment of a Treasurer, the duties of the Treasurer, as described in Section 4.6, shall be performed by the President or any Vice President.

Section 4.4 Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President or the Vice Presidents, if there be more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Vice President(s), the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

 

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Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose supervision he or she shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meeting, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 4.7 Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

Section 4.8 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.

Section 4.9 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

 

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ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Form of Certificates. Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed in the name of the Corporation (a) by the President or a Vice President and (b) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such holder.

Section 5.2 Signatures. Where a certificate is countersigned by (a) a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its designated employees or (b) a registrar other than the Corporation or its designated employees, any other signature on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section 5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 5.4 Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by his or her attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally or by facsimile transmission, or a form of electronic transmission to an electronic address at which the addressee has consented to receive notice, to the fullest extent allowed under the DGCL.

 

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Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 7.1 Right to Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee (as this and all other capitalized words not heretofore defined are defined in Section 7.13 hereof) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. The rights of an Indemnitee provided under the preceding sentence shall include, but not be limited to, the right to be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(b) of the DGCL in Proceedings by or in the right of the Corporation and to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(a) of the DGCL in all other Proceedings.

Section 7.2 Expenses. If an Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in or is a party to any Proceeding, and is successful on the merits or otherwise, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If the Indemnitee is a party to and is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to any Matter in such Proceeding, the Corporation shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf relating to each such Matter. The termination of any Matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such Matter.

Section 7.3 Request for Indemnification. To obtain indemnification, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Secretary of the Corporation a written request with such information as is reasonably available to the Indemnitee regarding the basis for such claim for indemnification. The Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly advise the Board of Directors of such request. An Indemnitee shall be advanced Expenses, within 10 days after requesting them, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(e) of the DGCL.

Section 7.4 Determination of Indemnification. The Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined in accordance with Section 145(d) of the DGCL. If entitlement to indemnification is to be determined by Independent Counsel, the Corporation shall furnish notice to the Indemnitee within 10 days after receipt of the request for indemnification, specifying the identity and address of the Independent Counsel. The Indemnitee may, within 14 days after receipt of such written notice of selection, deliver to the Corporation a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of Independent Counsel and the

 

8


objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. If there is an objection to the selection of Independent Counsel, either the Corporation or the Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction for a determination that the objection is without a reasonable basis and/or for the appointment of Independent Counsel selected by the Court.

Except in the event that the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel, if the person or persons empowered under this Section 7.4 to determine entitlement to indemnification shall not have made and furnished to the Indemnitee in writing a determination of whether the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification within 30 days after receipt by the Corporation of the Indemnitee’s request therefor, a determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made, and the Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification or such indemnification is prohibited by law. The termination of any Proceeding or of any Matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 7.5 Payments to Independent Counsel. The Corporation shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred acting pursuant to this Article and in any proceeding to which it is a party or witness in respect of its investigation and written report and shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed. No Independent Counsel may serve if a timely objection has been made to his selection until a court has determined that such objection is without a reasonable basis.

Section 7.6 Right to Bring Suit. In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 7.4 hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Article, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof, (iii) Independent Counsel has not made and delivered a written opinion determining the request for indemnification (a) within 90 days after being appointed by the court, or (b) within 90 days after objections to his selection have been overruled by the court, or (c) within 90 days after the time for the Corporation or the Indemnitee to object to his selection, or (iv) payment of indemnification is not made within five days after a determination of entitlement to indemnification, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. In the event that a determination shall have been made that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Corporation shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6, or otherwise, unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification, or such indemnification is prohibited by law.

 

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The Corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 that the procedures and presumptions of this Article are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Corporation is bound by all provisions of this Article. In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7.6, seeks a judicial adjudication to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Article, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Corporation, and shall be indemnified by the Corporation against, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in such judicial adjudication, but only if he prevails therein. If it shall be determined in such judicial adjudication that the Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of Expenses sought, the Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated.

Section 7.7 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to receive indemnification and advancement of Expenses as provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of the stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

Section 7.8 Other Indemnification. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such Indemnitee may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity.

Section 7.9 Amendment or Repeal. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article or any provision thereof shall be effective as to any Indemnitee for acts, omissions, events and circumstances that occurred, in whole or in part, before such amendment, alteration or repeal.

Section 7.10 Survival of Rights. The provisions of this Article shall continue as to an Indemnitee whose Corporate Status has ceased and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 7.11 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Delaware law.

Section 7.12 Indemnity Agreements. The Corporation may enter into indemnity agreements with the persons who are members of its Board of Directors from time to time, and with such officers, employees and agents as the Board may designate.

 

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Section 7.13 Definitions. For purposes of this Article:

“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Corporation or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation.

“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code.

“Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

“Indemnitee” consists of each director and executive officer of the Corporation and, upon approval of the Board of Directors, any other person who was or is made, or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of his Corporate Status.

“Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the five years previous to his selection or appointment has been, retained to represent: (i) the Corporation or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party; or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

“Matter” is a claim, a material issue or a substantial request for relief.

“Proceeding” includes any action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution proceeding, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7.6 hereof to enforce his rights under this Article.

Section 7.14 Communications. Any communication required or permitted to be made to the Corporation shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such communication to an Indemnitee shall be addressed to his home address unless he specifies otherwise.

Section 7.15 Legality. If any provision or provisions of this Article shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 8.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

Section 8.2 Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

Section 8.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year, unless otherwise fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 8.4 Amendments. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Adopted: November 2, 2006

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Secretary

 

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Exhibit 3.25(a)

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

WESTLAKE NG III CORPORATION

FIRST: The name of the corporation is Westlake NG III Corporation.

SECOND: The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).

FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

FIFTH: The number of directors of the corporation shall be as from time to time specified in, or determined in the manner provided in, the bylaws. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws so provide.

SIXTH: In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, adopt, amend, alter or repeal the bylaws of the corporation.

SEVENTH: No director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omission not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended after the date of filing of this certificate of incorporation to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

EIGHTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this


corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

NINTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator is:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Stephen Wallace

  

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The powers of the incorporator shall terminate upon the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation with the office of the Delaware Secretary of State.

TENTH: The name and mailing address of each person who is to serve as a director of the corporation until the first annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified are:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Albert Chao

  

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The undersigned incorporator hereby acknowledges that the foregoing is his act and deed and that the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly has executed this certificate this 24th day of March, 2008.

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Stephen Wallace
Incorporator

 

2

Exhibit 3.25(b)

BYLAWS

OF

WESTLAKE NG III CORPORATION

(hereinafter the “Corporation”)

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

Section 2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meeting the stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.

Section 2.3 Special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation as may be amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), special meetings of stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (a) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, or (b) the President, and shall be called by any officer of the Corporation at the instruction of a majority of the Board of Directors. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.


Section 2.4 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 2.5 Voting. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his or her discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

Section 2.6 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this Section 2.6 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 3.1 Number and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, but no decrease by the Board of Directors shall have the

 

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effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Except as provided in Section 3.2, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting of stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. A director need not be a stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the State of Delaware.

Section 3.2 Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute.

Section 3.3 Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 3.4 Meetings. Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board of Directors shall be held as soon after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble. Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the State of Delaware as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or a majority of the directors then in office. No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written, oral or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors thereat. Notice need not be given to any director or to any member of a committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him or her before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of any such person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when he or she attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

Section 3.5 Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 3.6 Actions by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, in one document or in counterparts, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

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Section 3.7 Meetings by Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.8 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

Section 3.9 Compensation. Directors as such may receive a stated salary for their services, fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. In addition, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall be a President and a Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also appoint a Treasurer and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation or directors of the Corporation.

 

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Section 4.2 Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and may be altered from time to time except as otherwise provided by contract.

Section 4.3 President. The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. Unless the Board of Directors has provided otherwise, he or she shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by these bylaws or by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the appointment of a Treasurer, the duties of the Treasurer, as described in Section 4.6, shall be performed by the President or any Vice President.

Section 4.4 Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President or the Vice Presidents, if there be more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Vice President(s), the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose supervision he or she shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to

 

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affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meeting, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 4.7 Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

Section 4.8 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.

Section 4.9 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Form of Certificates. Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed in the name of the Corporation (a) by the President or a Vice President and (b) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such holder.

 

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Section 5.2 Signatures. Where a certificate is countersigned by (a) a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its designated employees or (b) a registrar other than the Corporation or its designated employees, any other signature on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section 5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 5.4 Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by his or her attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally or by facsimile transmission, or a form of electronic transmission to an electronic address at which the addressee has consented to receive notice, to the fullest extent allowed under the DGCL.

Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.

 

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ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 7.1 Right to Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee (as this and all other capitalized words not heretofore defined are defined in Section 7.13 hereof) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. The rights of an Indemnitee provided under the preceding sentence shall include, but not be limited to, the right to be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(b) of the DGCL in Proceedings by or in the right of the Corporation and to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(a) of the DGCL in all other Proceedings.

Section 7.2 Expenses. If an Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in or is a party to any Proceeding, and is successful on the merits or otherwise, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If the Indemnitee is a party to and is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to any Matter in such Proceeding, the Corporation shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf relating to each such Matter. The termination of any Matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such Matter.

Section 7.3 Request for Indemnification. To obtain indemnification, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Secretary of the Corporation a written request with such information as is reasonably available to the Indemnitee regarding the basis for such claim for indemnification. The Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly advise the Board of Directors of such request. An Indemnitee shall be advanced Expenses, within 10 days after requesting them, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(e) of the DGCL.

Section 7.4 Determination of Indemnification. The Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined in accordance with Section 145(d) of the DGCL. If entitlement to indemnification is to be determined by Independent Counsel, the Corporation shall furnish notice to the Indemnitee within 10 days after receipt of the request for indemnification, specifying the identity and address of the Independent Counsel. The Indemnitee may, within 14 days after receipt of such written notice of selection, deliver to the Corporation a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of Independent Counsel and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. If there is an objection to the selection of Independent Counsel, either the Corporation or the Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction for a determination that the objection is without a reasonable basis and/or for the appointment of Independent Counsel selected by the Court.

Except in the event that the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel, if the person or persons empowered under this Section 7.4 to determine entitlement to indemnification shall not have made and furnished to the Indemnitee in writing a determination of whether the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification within 30 days after

 

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receipt by the Corporation of the Indemnitee’s request therefor, a determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made, and the Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification or such indemnification is prohibited by law. The termination of any Proceeding or of any Matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 7.5 Payments to Independent Counsel. The Corporation shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred acting pursuant to this Article and in any proceeding to which it is a party or witness in respect of its investigation and written report and shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed. No Independent Counsel may serve if a timely objection has been made to his selection until a court has determined that such objection is without a reasonable basis.

Section 7.6 Right to Bring Suit. In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 7.4 hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Article, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof, (iii) Independent Counsel has not made and delivered a written opinion determining the request for indemnification (a) within 90 days after being appointed by the court, or (b) within 90 days after objections to his selection have been overruled by the court, or (c) within 90 days after the time for the Corporation or the Indemnitee to object to his selection, or (iv) payment of indemnification is not made within five days after a determination of entitlement to indemnification, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. In the event that a determination shall have been made that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Corporation shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6, or otherwise, unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification, or such indemnification is prohibited by law.

The Corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 that the procedures and presumptions of this Article are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Corporation is bound by all provisions of this Article. In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7.6, seeks a judicial adjudication to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Article, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Corporation, and shall be indemnified by the Corporation against, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in such judicial adjudication, but only if he prevails therein. If it shall be determined in such judicial adjudication that the Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of Expenses sought, the Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated.

 

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Section 7.7 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to receive indemnification and advancement of Expenses as provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of the stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

Section 7.8 Other Indemnification. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such Indemnitee may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity.

Section 7.9 Amendment or Repeal. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article or any provision thereof shall be effective as to any Indemnitee for acts, omissions, events and circumstances that occurred, in whole or in part, before such amendment, alteration or repeal.

Section 7.10 Survival of Rights. The provisions of this Article shall continue as to an Indemnitee whose Corporate Status has ceased and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 7.11 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Delaware law.

Section 7.12 Indemnity Agreements. The Corporation may enter into indemnity agreements with the persons who are members of its Board of Directors from time to time, and with such officers, employees and agents as the Board may designate.

Section 7.13 Definitions. For purposes of this Article:

“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Corporation or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation.

“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code.

“Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

 

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“Indemnitee” consists of each director and executive officer of the Corporation and, upon approval of the Board of Directors, any other person who was or is made, or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of his Corporate Status.

“Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the five years previous to his selection or appointment has been, retained to represent: (i) the Corporation or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party; or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

“Matter” is a claim, a material issue or a substantial request for relief.

“Proceeding” includes any action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution proceeding, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7.6 hereof to enforce his rights under this Article.

Section 7.14 Communications. Any communication required or permitted to be made to the Corporation shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such communication to an Indemnitee shall be addressed to his home address unless he specifies otherwise.

Section 7.15 Legality. If any provision or provisions of this Article shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 8.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

Section 8.2 Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

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Section 8.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year, unless otherwise fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 8.4 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced.

Section 8.5 Amendments. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Adopted: March 27, 2008

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Secretary

 

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Exhibit 3.26(a)

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

WESTLAKE NG IV CORPORATION

FIRST: The name of the corporation is Westlake NG IV Corporation.

SECOND: The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).

FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

FIFTH: The number of directors of the corporation shall be as from time to time specified in, or determined in the manner provided in, the bylaws. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws so provide.

SIXTH: In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, adopt, amend, alter or repeal the bylaws of the corporation.

SEVENTH: No director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omission not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended after the date of filing of this certificate of incorporation to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

EIGHTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this

 

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corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

NINTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator is:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Stephen Wallace

  

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The powers of the incorporator shall terminate upon the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation with the office of the Delaware Secretary of State.

TENTH: The name and mailing address of each person who is to serve as a director of the corporation until the first annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified are:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Albert Chao

  

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The undersigned incorporator hereby acknowledges that the foregoing is his act and deed and that the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly has executed this certificate this 24th day of March, 2008.

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Stephen Wallace
Incorporator

 

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Exhibit 3.26(b)

BYLAWS

OF

WESTLAKE NG IV CORPORATION

(hereinafter the “Corporation”)

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

Section 2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meeting the stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.

Section 2.3 Special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation as may be amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), special meetings of stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (a) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, or (b) the President, and shall be called by any officer of the Corporation at the instruction of a majority of the Board of Directors. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.


Section 2.4 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 2.5 Voting. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his or her discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

Section 2.6 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this Section 2.6 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 3.1 Number and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, but no decrease by the Board of Directors shall have the

 

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effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Except as provided in Section 3.2, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting of stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. A director need not be a stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the State of Delaware.

Section 3.2 Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute.

Section 3.3 Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 3.4 Meetings. Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board of Directors shall be held as soon after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble. Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the State of Delaware as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or a majority of the directors then in office. No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written, oral or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors thereat. Notice need not be given to any director or to any member of a committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him or her before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of any such person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when he or she attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

Section 3.5 Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 3.6 Actions by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, in one document or in counterparts, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

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Section 3.7 Meetings by Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.8 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

Section 3.9 Compensation. Directors as such may receive a stated salary for their services, fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. In addition, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall be a President and a Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also appoint a Treasurer and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation or directors of the Corporation.

 

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Section 4.2 Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and may be altered from time to time except as otherwise provided by contract.

Section 4.3 President. The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. Unless the Board of Directors has provided otherwise, he or she shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by these bylaws or by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the appointment of a Treasurer, the duties of the Treasurer, as described in Section 4.6, shall be performed by the President or any Vice President.

Section 4.4 Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President or the Vice Presidents, if there be more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Vice President(s), the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose supervision he or she shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to

 

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affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meeting, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 4.7 Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

Section 4.8 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.

Section 4.9 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Form of Certificates. Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed in the name of the Corporation (a) by the President or a Vice President and (b) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such holder.

 

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Section 5.2 Signatures. Where a certificate is countersigned by (a) a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its designated employees or (b) a registrar other than the Corporation or its designated employees, any other signature on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section 5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 5.4 Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by his or her attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally or by facsimile transmission, or a form of electronic transmission to an electronic address at which the addressee has consented to receive notice, to the fullest extent allowed under the DGCL.

Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.

 

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ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 7.1 Right to Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee (as this and all other capitalized words not heretofore defined are defined in Section 7.13 hereof) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. The rights of an Indemnitee provided under the preceding sentence shall include, but not be limited to, the right to be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(b) of the DGCL in Proceedings by or in the right of the Corporation and to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(a) of the DGCL in all other Proceedings.

Section 7.2 Expenses. If an Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in or is a party to any Proceeding, and is successful on the merits or otherwise, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If the Indemnitee is a party to and is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to any Matter in such Proceeding, the Corporation shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf relating to each such Matter. The termination of any Matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such Matter.

Section 7.3 Request for Indemnification. To obtain indemnification, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Secretary of the Corporation a written request with such information as is reasonably available to the Indemnitee regarding the basis for such claim for indemnification. The Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly advise the Board of Directors of such request. An Indemnitee shall be advanced Expenses, within 10 days after requesting them, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(e) of the DGCL.

Section 7.4 Determination of Indemnification. The Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined in accordance with Section 145(d) of the DGCL. If entitlement to indemnification is to be determined by Independent Counsel, the Corporation shall furnish notice to the Indemnitee within 10 days after receipt of the request for indemnification, specifying the identity and address of the Independent Counsel. The Indemnitee may, within 14 days after receipt of such written notice of selection, deliver to the Corporation a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of Independent Counsel and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. If there is an objection to the selection of Independent Counsel, either the Corporation or the Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction for a determination that the objection is without a reasonable basis and/or for the appointment of Independent Counsel selected by the Court.

Except in the event that the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel, if the person or persons empowered under this Section 7.4 to determine entitlement to indemnification shall not have made and furnished to the Indemnitee in writing a determination of whether the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification within 30 days after

 

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receipt by the Corporation of the Indemnitee’s request therefor, a determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made, and the Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification or such indemnification is prohibited by law. The termination of any Proceeding or of any Matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 7.5 Payments to Independent Counsel. The Corporation shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred acting pursuant to this Article and in any proceeding to which it is a party or witness in respect of its investigation and written report and shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed. No Independent Counsel may serve if a timely objection has been made to his selection until a court has determined that such objection is without a reasonable basis.

Section 7.6 Right to Bring Suit. In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 7.4 hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Article, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof, (iii) Independent Counsel has not made and delivered a written opinion determining the request for indemnification (a) within 90 days after being appointed by the court, or (b) within 90 days after objections to his selection have been overruled by the court, or (c) within 90 days after the time for the Corporation or the Indemnitee to object to his selection, or (iv) payment of indemnification is not made within five days after a determination of entitlement to indemnification, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. In the event that a determination shall have been made that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Corporation shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6, or otherwise, unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification, or such indemnification is prohibited by law.

The Corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 that the procedures and presumptions of this Article are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Corporation is bound by all provisions of this Article. In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7.6, seeks a judicial adjudication to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Article, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Corporation, and shall be indemnified by the Corporation against, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in such judicial adjudication, but only if he prevails therein. If it shall be determined in such judicial adjudication that the Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of Expenses sought, the Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated.

 

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Section 7.7 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to receive indemnification and advancement of Expenses as provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of the stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

Section 7.8 Other Indemnification. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such Indemnitee may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity.

Section 7.9 Amendment or Repeal. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article or any provision thereof shall be effective as to any Indemnitee for acts, omissions, events and circumstances that occurred, in whole or in part, before such amendment, alteration or repeal.

Section 7.10 Survival of Rights. The provisions of this Article shall continue as to an Indemnitee whose Corporate Status has ceased and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 7.11 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Delaware law.

Section 7.12 Indemnity Agreements. The Corporation may enter into indemnity agreements with the persons who are members of its Board of Directors from time to time, and with such officers, employees and agents as the Board may designate.

Section 7.13 Definitions. For purposes of this Article:

“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Corporation or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation.

“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code.

“Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

 

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“Indemnitee” consists of each director and executive officer of the Corporation and, upon approval of the Board of Directors, any other person who was or is made, or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of his Corporate Status.

“Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the five years previous to his selection or appointment has been, retained to represent: (i) the Corporation or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party; or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

“Matter” is a claim, a material issue or a substantial request for relief.

“Proceeding” includes any action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution proceeding, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7.6 hereof to enforce his rights under this Article.

Section 7.14 Communications. Any communication required or permitted to be made to the Corporation shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such communication to an Indemnitee shall be addressed to his home address unless he specifies otherwise.

Section 7.15 Legality. If any provision or provisions of this Article shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 8.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

Section 8.2 Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

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Section 8.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year, unless otherwise fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 8.4 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced.

Section 8.5 Amendments. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Adopted: March 27, 2008

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Secretary

 

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Exhibit 3.27(a)

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

WESTLAKE NG V CORPORATION

FIRST: The name of the corporation is Westlake NG V Corporation.

SECOND: The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).

FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

FIFTH: The number of directors of the corporation shall be as from time to time specified in, or determined in the manner provided in, the bylaws. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws so provide.

SIXTH: In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, adopt, amend, alter or repeal the bylaws of the corporation.

SEVENTH: No director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omission not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended after the date of filing of this certificate of incorporation to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

EIGHTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this

 

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corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

NINTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator is:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Stephen Wallace

  

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The powers of the incorporator shall terminate upon the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation with the office of the Delaware Secretary of State.

TENTH: The name and mailing address of each person who is to serve as a director of the corporation until the first annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified are:

 

Name

  

Mailing Address

Albert Chao

  

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

The undersigned incorporator hereby acknowledges that the foregoing is his act and deed and that the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly has executed this certificate this 24th day of March, 2008.

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Stephen Wallace
Incorporator

 

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Exhibit 3.27(b)

BYLAWS

OF

WESTLAKE NG V CORPORATION

(hereinafter the “Corporation”)

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware shall be located at 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

Section 2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meeting the stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.

Section 2.3 Special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation as may be amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), special meetings of stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (a) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, or (b) the President, and shall be called by any officer of the Corporation at the instruction of a majority of the Board of Directors. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.


Section 2.4 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 2.5 Voting. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his or her discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

Section 2.6 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this Section 2.6 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 3.1 Number and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, but no decrease by the Board of Directors shall have the

 

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effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Except as provided in Section 3.2, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting of stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. A director need not be a stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the State of Delaware.

Section 3.2 Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute.

Section 3.3 Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 3.4 Meetings. Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board of Directors shall be held as soon after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble. Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the State of Delaware as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the President or a majority of the directors then in office. No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written, oral or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors thereat. Notice need not be given to any director or to any member of a committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him or her before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of any such person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when he or she attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

Section 3.5 Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 3.6 Actions by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, in one document or in counterparts, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

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Section 3.7 Meetings by Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.8 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

Section 3.9 Compensation. Directors as such may receive a stated salary for their services, fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. In addition, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall be a President and a Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also appoint a Treasurer and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation or directors of the Corporation.

 

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Section 4.2 Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and may be altered from time to time except as otherwise provided by contract.

Section 4.3 President. The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. Unless the Board of Directors has provided otherwise, he or she shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by these bylaws or by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the appointment of a Treasurer, the duties of the Treasurer, as described in Section 4.6, shall be performed by the President or any Vice President.

Section 4.4 Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President or the Vice Presidents, if there be more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Vice President(s), the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose supervision he or she shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to

 

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affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meeting, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 4.7 Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

Section 4.8 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Executive Vice President, if there be one, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.

Section 4.9 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Form of Certificates. Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed in the name of the Corporation (a) by the President or a Vice President and (b) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such holder.

 

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Section 5.2 Signatures. Where a certificate is countersigned by (a) a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its designated employees or (b) a registrar other than the Corporation or its designated employees, any other signature on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section 5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 5.4 Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by his or her attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally or by facsimile transmission, or a form of electronic transmission to an electronic address at which the addressee has consented to receive notice, to the fullest extent allowed under the DGCL.

Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.

 

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ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 7.1 Right to Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee (as this and all other capitalized words not heretofore defined are defined in Section 7.13 hereof) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. The rights of an Indemnitee provided under the preceding sentence shall include, but not be limited to, the right to be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(b) of the DGCL in Proceedings by or in the right of the Corporation and to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(a) of the DGCL in all other Proceedings.

Section 7.2 Expenses. If an Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in or is a party to any Proceeding, and is successful on the merits or otherwise, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If the Indemnitee is a party to and is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to any Matter in such Proceeding, the Corporation shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf relating to each such Matter. The termination of any Matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such Matter.

Section 7.3 Request for Indemnification. To obtain indemnification, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Secretary of the Corporation a written request with such information as is reasonably available to the Indemnitee regarding the basis for such claim for indemnification. The Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly advise the Board of Directors of such request. An Indemnitee shall be advanced Expenses, within 10 days after requesting them, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145(e) of the DGCL.

Section 7.4 Determination of Indemnification. The Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined in accordance with Section 145(d) of the DGCL. If entitlement to indemnification is to be determined by Independent Counsel, the Corporation shall furnish notice to the Indemnitee within 10 days after receipt of the request for indemnification, specifying the identity and address of the Independent Counsel. The Indemnitee may, within 14 days after receipt of such written notice of selection, deliver to the Corporation a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of Independent Counsel and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. If there is an objection to the selection of Independent Counsel, either the Corporation or the Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction for a determination that the objection is without a reasonable basis and/or for the appointment of Independent Counsel selected by the Court.

Except in the event that the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel, if the person or persons empowered under this Section 7.4 to determine entitlement to indemnification shall not have made and furnished to the Indemnitee in writing a determination of whether the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification within 30 days after

 

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receipt by the Corporation of the Indemnitee’s request therefor, a determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made, and the Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification or such indemnification is prohibited by law. The termination of any Proceeding or of any Matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 7.5 Payments to Independent Counsel. The Corporation shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred acting pursuant to this Article and in any proceeding to which it is a party or witness in respect of its investigation and written report and shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed. No Independent Counsel may serve if a timely objection has been made to his selection until a court has determined that such objection is without a reasonable basis.

Section 7.6 Right to Bring Suit. In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 7.4 hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Article, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof, (iii) Independent Counsel has not made and delivered a written opinion determining the request for indemnification (a) within 90 days after being appointed by the court, or (b) within 90 days after objections to his selection have been overruled by the court, or (c) within 90 days after the time for the Corporation or the Indemnitee to object to his selection, or (iv) payment of indemnification is not made within five days after a determination of entitlement to indemnification, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. In the event that a determination shall have been made that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Corporation shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6, or otherwise, unless the Indemnitee knowingly misrepresented a material fact in connection with the request for indemnification, or such indemnification is prohibited by law.

The Corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7.6 that the procedures and presumptions of this Article are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Corporation is bound by all provisions of this Article. In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7.6, seeks a judicial adjudication to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Article, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Corporation, and shall be indemnified by the Corporation against, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in such judicial adjudication, but only if he prevails therein. If it shall be determined in such judicial adjudication that the Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of Expenses sought, the Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated.

 

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Section 7.7 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to receive indemnification and advancement of Expenses as provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of the stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

Section 7.8 Other Indemnification. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such Indemnitee may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity.

Section 7.9 Amendment or Repeal. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article or any provision thereof shall be effective as to any Indemnitee for acts, omissions, events and circumstances that occurred, in whole or in part, before such amendment, alteration or repeal.

Section 7.10 Survival of Rights. The provisions of this Article shall continue as to an Indemnitee whose Corporate Status has ceased and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 7.11 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Delaware law.

Section 7.12 Indemnity Agreements. The Corporation may enter into indemnity agreements with the persons who are members of its Board of Directors from time to time, and with such officers, employees and agents as the Board may designate.

Section 7.13 Definitions. For purposes of this Article:

“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Corporation or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise or nonprofit entity which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation.

“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code.

“Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

 

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“Indemnitee” consists of each director and executive officer of the Corporation and, upon approval of the Board of Directors, any other person who was or is made, or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of his Corporate Status.

“Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the five years previous to his selection or appointment has been, retained to represent: (i) the Corporation or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party; or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

“Matter” is a claim, a material issue or a substantial request for relief.

“Proceeding” includes any action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution proceeding, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7.6 hereof to enforce his rights under this Article.

Section 7.14 Communications. Any communication required or permitted to be made to the Corporation shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such communication to an Indemnitee shall be addressed to his home address unless he specifies otherwise.

Section 7.15 Legality. If any provision or provisions of this Article shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 8.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

Section 8.2 Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

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Section 8.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year, unless otherwise fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 8.4 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced.

Section 8.5 Amendments. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Adopted: March 27, 2008

 

/s/ Stephen Wallace
Secretary

 

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Exhibit 5.1

 

 

LOGO

   ONE SHELL PLAZA

910 LOUISIANA

HOUSTON, TEXAS

77002-4995

 

TEL +1

713.229.1234

FAX +1

713.229.1522

www.bakerbotts.com

   AUSTIN

BEIJING

DALLAS

DUBAI

HONG KONG

HOUSTON

LONDON

MOSCOW

NEW YORK

RIYADH

WASHINGTON

April 11, 2008

Westlake Chemical Corporation

2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As set forth in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed by Westlake Chemical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the subsidiary guarantors named in Schedule I hereto (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), relating to securities that may be issued and sold by the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, and 4,500,000 currently outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) that may be sold by the selling stockholder identified in the Registration Statement (the “Selling Stockholder”) from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act, certain legal matters in connection with such securities are being passed upon for you by us. Such securities include (i) unsecured senior debt securities of the Company (the “Senior Debt Securities”), (ii) unsecured subordinated debt securities of the Company (the “Subordinated Debt Securities” and, together with the Senior Debt Securities, the “Debt Securities”), (iii) guarantees of the Debt Securities (the “Subsidiary Guarantees”) by Subsidiary Guarantors, (iv) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”), (v) shares of Common Stock and (vi) warrants to purchase any combination of Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock and other securities (the “Warrants”). The Debt Securities, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Preferred Stock, the Common Stock and the Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.” The aggregate initial offering price of the Securities to be issued and sold by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement is not to exceed $750,000,000. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you for filing as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

Each series of Debt Securities will be issued:

(i) in the case of the Senior Debt Securities, pursuant to an indenture dated as of January 1, 2006, as amended or supplemented from time to time, among the Company, as issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, as potential subsidiary guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association), as trustee (the “Senior Indenture”); and

(ii) in the case of the Subordinated Debt Securities, pursuant to an indenture to be entered into among the Company, as issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, as potential subsidiary guarantors, and the trustee (the “Subordinated Indenture” and, together with the Senior Indenture, the “Indentures”).


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Westlake Chemical Corporation

      April 11, 2008

Each Indenture will be supplemented, in connection with the issuance of each such series, by a supplemental indenture, officers’ certificate or other writing thereunder establishing the form and terms of such series.

In our capacity as your counsel in the connection referred to above, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified, of (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, each as amended to date (together, the “Charter Documents”), (ii) the charters or bylaws or other organizational documents, as applicable, of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, (iii) the Senior Indenture and the form of Subordinated Indenture (each as filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement), and (iv) the corporate records of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, certificates of public officials and of representatives of the Company, including minute books of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors as furnished to us by the Company, statutes and other instruments and documents as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. In giving such opinions, we have relied upon certificates of officers of the Company and of public officials with respect to the accuracy of the material factual matters contained in such certificates. In giving the opinions below, we have assumed that the signatures on all documents examined by us are genuine, that all documents submitted to us as originals are accurate and complete, that all documents submitted to us as copies are true and correct copies of the originals thereof and that all information submitted to us was accurate and complete. In connection with this opinion, we have assumed that:

(i) the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) will have become effective under the Act;

(ii) a prospectus supplement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby;

(iii) all Securities will be offered, issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the applicable prospectus supplement;

(iv) the Board of Directors of the Company and, if applicable, each Subsidiary Guarantor (or the general partner or equivalent thereof) or, to the extent permitted by the charters, bylaws or other organizational documents and the corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of the Company and, if applicable, each Subsidiary Guarantor, a duly constituted and acting committee thereof (such Board of Directors or committee being hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) will have taken all necessary action (corporate and other organizational) to authorize the issuance of the Securities and any other Securities issuable on the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise thereof, and to authorize the terms of the offering and sale of such Securities and related matters;

 

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Westlake Chemical Corporation

      April 11, 2008

(v) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, if applicable, the Selling Stockholder, if applicable, and the other parties thereto (the “Purchase Agreement”);

(vi) any securities issuable upon conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of any Securities being offered will be duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise;

(vii) all Securities will be delivered in accordance with either (a) the provisions of the applicable Purchase Agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein or (b) upon conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board;

(viii) in the case of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock to be issued by the Company, certificates representing such shares will have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered, or if uncertificated, valid book-entry notations will have been made in the share register of the Company, in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Charter Documents; there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock authorized under the Charter Documents and not otherwise issued or reserved for issuance; and the purchase price therefor payable to the Company, or, if such shares are issuable on the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of another Security, the consideration payable to the Company for such conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise will not be less than the par value of such shares;

(ix) in the case of shares of Preferred Stock of any series, the Board will have taken all necessary corporate action to designate and establish the terms of such series and will have caused a certificate of designations respecting such series to be prepared and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

(x) in the case of Warrants, the Board will have taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the creation of and the terms of such Warrants and the issuance of the Securities to be issued pursuant thereto and to approve the warrant agreement relating thereto; such warrant agreement will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the warrant agent thereunder appointed by the Company; neither such Warrants nor such warrant agreement will include any provision that is unenforceable; and such Warrants or certificates representing such Warrants will have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the provisions of such warrant agreement; and

 

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Westlake Chemical Corporation

      April 11, 2008

(xi) in the case of Debt Securities of any series issuable under an Indenture:

(a) if such Debt Securities are Senior Debt Securities, the Senior Indenture, or a supplemental indenture thereto, has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the trustee thereunder;

(b) if such Debt Securities are Subordinated Debt Securities, an indenture substantially in the form of the Subordinated Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the trustee thereunder;

(c) the Board will have taken all necessary corporate action to designate and establish the terms of such series of Debt Securities in accordance with the terms of the Indenture under which such Debt Securities will be issued, and such Debt Securities will not include any provision that is unenforceable;

(d) the Indenture under which such Debt Securities will be issued will have become qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; and

(e) Debt Securities complying with the terms of the Indenture under which such Debt Securities will be issued will have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of such Indenture.

On the basis of the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications hereinafter set forth, we are of the opinion that:

1. The shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock that may be issued by the Company included in the Securities will, when issued, have been duly authorized and validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable. With respect to the shares of Common Stock that may be sold by the Selling Stockholder, such shares of Common Stock are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

2. The Debt Securities and any Subsidiary Guarantees included in the Securities will, when issued, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, enforceable against the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, in accordance with their respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof is subject to (i) any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

3. The Warrants included in the Securities will, when issued, have been duly authorized and validly issued and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability thereof is subject to (i) any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

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Westlake Chemical Corporation

      April 11, 2008

The opinions set forth above are limited in all respects to matters of the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and applicable federal law. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading “Legal Opinions” in the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Baker Botts L.L.P.

TST/JAR

 

5


SCHEDULE I

POTENTIAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

 

Name

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization

Geismar Holdings, Inc.

   Delaware

GVGP, Inc.

   Delaware

North American Bristol Corporation

   Delaware

North American Pipe Corporation

   Delaware

Van Buren Pipe Corporation

   Delaware

Westech Building Products, Inc.

   Delaware

Westech Profiles Limited

   Delaware

Westlake Chemical Investments, Inc.

   Delaware

Westlake Development Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Ethylene Pipeline Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Longview Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Management Services, Inc.

   Delaware

Westlake NG I Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake NG III Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake NG IV Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake NG V Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Olefins Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Petrochemicals LLC

   Delaware

Westlake Polymers LLC

   Delaware

Westlake PVC Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Resources Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Styrene LLC

   Delaware

Westlake Supply and Trading Company

   Delaware

Westlake Vinyl Corporation

   Delaware

Westlake Vinyls Company LP

   Delaware

Westlake Vinyls, Inc.

   Delaware

WPT LLC

   Delaware

Exhibit 12.1

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

STATEMENT SETTING FORTH DETAIL FOR COMPUTATION OF

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(millions of dollars)

 

     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  

Fixed Charges

          

Interest Expense

   38.6     39.4     23.7     16.5     18.4  

Capitalized Interest

   —       0.1     1.2     3.6     2.2  

Amortization of Debt Costs

   2.6     —       —       —       —    

Portion of Rentals

   5.8     6.9     9.2     10.6     13.1  
                              

Total Fixed Charges

   47.0     46.4     34.1     30.7     33.7  
                              

Earnings Before Fixed Charges

          

Pretax Income

   23.5     190.7     345.3     282.5     159.0  

Fixed Charges

   47.0     46.4     34.1     30.7     33.7  

Equity Investment (income) loss

   (1.5 )   (1.4 )   (0.1 )   (1.8 )   (2.8 )

Equity Investment Distribution

   —       0.4     —       —       —    

Capitalized Interest

   —       (0.1 )   (1.2 )   (3.6 )   (2.2 )

Amortization of Capitalized Interest

   1.7     1.7     1.7     1.9     2.0  
                              

Earnings Before Fixed Charges

   70.7     237.7     379.8     309.7     189.7  
                              

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

   1.5     5.1     11.1     10.1     5.6  

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 19, 2008 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Westlake Chemical Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas

April 11, 2008

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE

ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO

SECTION 305(b)(2)    ¨

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

  95-3571558

(State of incorporation

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

700 South Flower Street Suite 500

Los Angeles, California

  90017
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Westlake Chemical Corporation

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   76-0346924

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

2801 Post Oak Boulevard

Houston, Texas

  77056
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

 

 

 


1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name

  

Address

Comptroller of the Currency

United States Department of the Treasury

   Washington, D.C. 20219
Federal Reserve Bank    San Francisco, California 94105
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation    Washington, D.C. 20429

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

3-15. Not applicable.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the articles of association of The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  2. A copy of certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 3 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

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  6. The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the trustee, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., a banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of Houston, and State of Texas, on the 11th day of April, 2008.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST

COMPANY, N.A.

By:   /s/ Brian Echausse
Name:   Brian Echausse
Title:   Trust Officer

 

- 3 -


REPORT OF CONDITION

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of

THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA

in the state of CA at close of business on December 31, 2007

published in response to call made by (Enter additional information below)

         
         

Statement of Resources and Liabilities

    Dollar Amounts in Thousands

ASSETS

    

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

    

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

     14,687

Interest-bearing balances

     0

Securities:

    

Held-to-maturity securities

     43

Available-for-sale securities

     216,332

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

    

Federal funds sold

     23,800

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     89,400

Loans and lease financing receivables:

    

Loans and leases held for sale

     0

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

  0   

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

  0   

Loans and lease, net of unearned income and allowance

     0

Trading Assets

     0

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

     12,676

Other real estate owned

     0

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

     0

Intangible assets:

    

Goodwill

     871,685

Other intangible assets

     300,982

Other assets

     152,943

Total assets

     1,682,548


REPORT OF CONDITION (Continued)

LIABILITIES

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands

Deposits:

     

In domestic offices

      1,628

Noninterest-bearing

   1,628   

Interest-bearing

   0   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

     

Federal funds purchased

      0

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

      0

Trading liabilities

      0

Other borrowed, money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

      193,691

Subordinated notes and debentures

      0

Other liabilities

      161,803

Total liabilities

      367,122

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

      0

EQUITY CAPITAL

     

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

      0

Common stock

      1,000

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

      1,121,520

Retained earnings

      202,154

Accumulated other comprehensive income

      752

Other equity capital components

      0

Total equity capital

      1,325,426

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

      1,682,548

 

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the

   I, Karen Bayz, Vice President    /s/ Karen Bayz

correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities.

   ( Name, Title)

We declare that it has been examined by us, and to

  

of the above named bank do hereby declare

the best of our knowledge and belief has been

  

that this Report of Condition is true and

prepared in conformance with the instructions

  

correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

and is true and correct.

  

Director #1         Michael K. Klugman, President

   /s/ Michael K. Klugman

Director #2         Frank Sulzberger, MD

   /s/ Frank Sulzberger

Director #3         William D. Lindelof, VP

   /s/ William D. Lindelof