Apple allows long-term shareholders to nominate board members

(Reuters) - Apple Inc on Tuesday became the latest U.S. company to amend its bylaws to allow long-term shareholders to nominate members to its board. The iPhone maker in a filing said a shareholder who owns at least three percent of its outstanding shares continuously for at least three years were eligible to nominate directors. Other companies who have agreed to adopt new "proxy access" rules this year include Microsoft Corp, Staples Inc, Big Lots Inc and Whiting Petroleum Corp. "Proxy access"