If there are nine (9) or more directors, the articles of incorporation may provide for staggering their terms by dividing the total number of directors into two (2) or three (3) groups, with each group containing one-half (½) or one-third (1/3) of the total, as near as may be. In that event, the terms of directors in the first group expire at the first annual shareholders' meeting after their election, the terms of the second group expire at the second annual shareholders' meeting after their election, and the terms of the third group, if any, expire at the third annual shareholders' meeting after their election. At each annual shareholders' meeting held thereafter, directors shall be chosen for a term of two (2) years or three (3) years, as the case may be, to succeed those whose terms expire.