text: The Company has a Common Share Purchase Rights Plan, which is intended to protect the interests of stockholders in the event of a hostile attempt to take 
  over the Company. The rights, which are not presently exercisable and do not have any voting powers, represent the right of the Company’s stockholders 
  to purchase at a substantial discount, upon the occurrence of certain events, shares of common stock of the Company or of an acquiring company involved 
  in a business combination with the Company. In January 2000, this plan, which was adopted in February 1990, was extended until February 2005. 