Cook Illinois is proposing an amendment to its restated certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock. This proposal aims to expand the company's capacity to issue more common stock in order to finance future growth and expansion initiatives. By increasing the authorized number of shares, Cook Illinois will have greater flexibility to attract potential investors and capitalize on new business opportunities. The amendment to the restated certificate of incorporation will enable Cook Illinois to raise additional capital by issuing more common stock to both existing shareholders and external investors. This can be done through public offerings, private placements, or other methods as deemed appropriate by the company's management. By increasing the authorized number of shares, Cook Illinois can ensure that it has the necessary resources to support its strategic initiatives and fund potential acquisitions. Furthermore, the proposal addresses the potential need for stock splits in the future. As the company grows, the demand for its shares may increase, leading to a higher stock price. In such cases, a stock split is often undertaken to divide existing shares into a larger number of shares, reducing the stock price per share. By increasing the authorized number of shares, Cook Illinois is proactively preparing for potential stock splits, ensuring that it can efficiently manage its stock price and accommodate greater demand from investors. The amendment to the restated certificate of incorporation includes safeguards to protect existing shareholders' rights and prevent dilution of their ownership stake. The proposal ensures that the increase in the number of authorized shares does not directly impact existing shareholders' voting power or ownership percentage. It is important to note that the proposal does not automatically result in the issuance of new shares, but rather grants the company the authority to do so if and when required. The Cook Illinois proposal to amend the restated certificate of incorporation regarding increasing the authorized number of shares of common stock has the potential to benefit both the company and its shareholders. It enables the company to access additional capital for growth and expansion while maintaining the interests of existing shareholders. With this amendment, Cook Illinois can position itself for future success and take advantage of favorable market conditions for raising funds.