Barbri Corporation Outline

1

CORPORATIONS TEACHING HYPOTHETICALS

By Richard D. Freer Emory University School of Law

Six fact patterns: 1. Organization of corporation

2. Issuance of stock 3. Directors and officers 4. Shareholders 5. Fundamental corporate changes 6. Federal securities

FACT PATTERN 1: ORGANIZATION OF CORPORATIONS

I. FORMATION REQUIREMENTS (People, Paper, Act)

(1) People: Incorporators. Must have one or more.

What does an incorporator do? ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

-- Can BAR/BRI, Inc. serve as an incorporator for Curl Up and Dye Beauty Supply Corp.? Can Joan Rivers? ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

(2) Paper: Articles of Incorporation.

A. (1) The articles are a contract between corporation and shareholders. (2) And also a contract between corporation and state.

B. Information in articles.

(1) Names and addresses.

a. Corporate name.

Can I form a corporation with the name Bubba=s Bountiful Biscuits? No. It must include one of these Amagic words@ (or an abbreviation thereof): __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

b. Names and addresses of incorporators and initial directors.

jaskarnbirTypewriter

jaskarnbirTypewriteryou sign and file the articles





jaskarnbirTypewriterYes, it can be a person or an entity - that is the majority view. in new york

it has to be a human

jaskarnbirTypewritercorporation, company, incorporated, or limited

CORPORATIONS

2

c. Name of registered agent and address of registered office (registered agent is the corporation=s official legal representativeCe.g., can receive service of process).

(2) Statement of duration (can be perpetual). (3) Statement of purpose.

a. General statement of purpose.

-- Can the articles of Bubba=s Bountiful Biscuits, Inc. indicate that the corporation=s purpose is to Aengage in all lawful activity, after first obtaining necessary state agency approval@? _____________________ __________________________________________________________

b. Specific statement of purpose and ultra vires rules.

-- What if the articles of Bubba=s Bountiful Biscuits, Inc. indicate that the corporation=s purpose is to Asell Southern-style sausage biscuits@ and the corporation later sells T-shirts as well as the biscuits? Selling T-shirts is an ultra vires act (beyond the scope of the articles). At common law, the contract could be voided as beyond the corporation=s capacity. How do we handle ultra vires today? ___________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

(4) Capital structure (stock).

a. Definitions of background terms (to impress friends at parties): -- Authorized stock: maximum number of shares the corporation can sell. -- Issued stock: number of shares the corporation actually sells. -- Outstanding stock: shares that have been issued and not reacquired by the

corporation. b. Articles must include: (1) Authorized stock, (2) number of shares per

class and (3) information on par value, (4) voting rights and (5) preferences of each class.

jaskarnbirTypewriteryes, in a lot of modern states

this is presumed. you can makethis general statement in states which require.

jaskarnbirTypewritert-shirt is an ultra vire act. at common law

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe contract could be voided. today, ultra vires contracts are valid. shareholders can seek

jaskarnbirTypewriteran injunction. responsible O and D are liable to the corporation for ultra vires losses. if

jaskarnbirTypewriterthis corporation goes into an ultra vire act then O and D are liable.

CORPORATIONS

3

(3) Act.

File articles with Secretary of State and pay required fee. Acceptance by Secretary of State is conclusive proof of valid formation. At that point, it is a de jure corporation.

-- Then, Board holds organizational meeting, where selects officers and adopts any bylaws and conducts other appropriate business.

II. LEGAL SIGNIFICANCE OF FORMATION OF CORPORATION

(1) Internal affairs of corporation (e.g., roles and duties of directors, officers, and

shareholders) are governed by the law of the state of incorporation. (2) A corporation is a separate legal person. It can sue and be sued, hold property, be a

partner in a partnership, make charitable contributions, must pay income taxes as an entity, etc.

(3) Generally, officers and directors are not personally liable for what the entity does. Generally, shareholders (owners) are not personally liable for debts of corporation.

This is the principle of Alimited liability,@ which means that shareholders generally are liable only for the price of their stock.

(4) So who is liable for what the corporation does? _______________________________

______________________________________________________________________

-- That means that if the proprietors fail to form a de jure corporation, they will be nervous

because they will be liable for what the business does. Then, think about:

III. DE FACTO CORPORATION DOCTRINE/CORPORATION BY ESTOPPEL

Doctrines by which a business failing to achieve de jure corporate status nonetheless is treated as a corporation (so shareholders will not be personally liable for business debts). Generally, person asserting either must be unaware of failure to form de jure corporation.

(1) De Facto Corporation: (a) there is a relevant incorporation statute; (b) the parties made a good faith, colorable attempt to comply with it; and (c) some exercise of corporate privileges. If applicable, treated as corporation for all purposes except in an action by the state.

-- Example: incorporators draft articles and mail them to the Secretary of State. Unbeknownst to them, the papers are lost in the mail. They are acting as a corporation in the interim, not knowing of the failure to form a de jure corporation. They have the business enter a contract. Are they liable on the contract (since there is no de jure corporation)? __________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe corporation is liable.

jaskarnbirTypewriterwe have a strong argument that we may not be liable on the contract.

CORPORATIONS

4

(2) Corporation by estoppel: one dealing with a business as a corporation, treating it as a corporation may be estopped from denying the business=s corporate status. May be invoked against those who dealt directly with the business as a corporation. May also be used to prevent company from avoiding an obligation by asserting its own lack of valid formation. Usually available in contract, not tort, cases.

(3) Status of these two doctrines: _____________________________________________

IV. BYLAWS

(1) In most states, adoption of bylaws is not a condition precedent to formation of a

corporation. But virtually every corporation has them. They are for internal governanceCe.g., lay out responsibilities, set regular meeting times and places, prescribe methods of giving notice.

(2) Who adopts the initial bylaws? ____________________________________________ (3) Who can repeal or amend the bylaws of a corporation? _________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(4) If bylaws conflict with the articles, the articles control. Bylaws are an internal document, not filed with a state agency.

V. PRE-INCORPORATION CONTRACTS

(1) A promoter is a person acting on behalf of a corporation not yet formed. For example,

a promoter might enter a contract on behalf of a corporation-not-yet-formed. (2) Liability on pre-incorporation contracts.

A. Liability of the corporation: The corporation is not liable on pre-incorporation contracts until it adopts the contract. On January 10, P, acting as a promoter for a corporation not yet formed, leases a building from Donald Trump and signs the lease AOscar de la Rental Cars, Inc.@ On February 20, Oscar de la Rental Cars, Inc. is formed. -- Is the corporation liable on the contract? Yes, if it adopted the contract. How can that happen? -- (1) Express - board of directors action adopting the contract. -- (2) Implied - ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________


jaskarnbirTypewriterabolished in many states and alive in others

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe board (the organizational meeting)

jaskarnbirTypewritershareholders. in some states

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe board can also do so.




jaskarnbirTypewriterif the corporation accepts a benefit of the contract

CORPORATIONS

5

B. Liability of the promoter.

Unless the contract clearly provides otherwise, the promoter remains liable on pre-incorporation contracts until there is a novation. That means until there is an agreement of the promoter, the corporation, and the other contracting party that the corporation will replace the promoter under the contract. (Assume here the contract says nothing about promoter liability.) -- Will P be liable on the lease if Oscar de la Rental Cars, Inc. is never formed? __________________________________________________________________

-- Will P be liable on the lease if Oscar de la Rental Cars, Inc. is formed and adopts the lease? ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

-- Remember: Adoption makes the corporation liable too, but does not relieve P. So on this fact pattern, both the corporation and P are liable.

VI. FOREIGN CORPORATIONS

Foreign corporations transacting business in this state must qualify. (1) A foreign corporation is one incorporated outside this state. So is a corporation formed

in Florida foreign? ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(2) Transacting business means the regular course of intrastate (not interstate) business activity. Not occasional or sporadic activity.

(3) Qualify by getting a certificate of authority from Secretary of State. Apply by giving

information from articles and a certificate of good standing from home state. Must pay fees to state.

-- Generally, must appoint registered agent here too. (4) Consequences of foreign corporation transacting business without qualifying: civil fine

and the corporation cannot sue in state (but it can be sued). There are no other consequences for the foreign corporation.

-- Can the foreign corporation sue once it qualifies and pays fees and fines? ________

_____________________________________________________________________


jaskarnbirTypewriteryes. you signed it, you are liabl.e.


jaskarnbirTypewriteryes. p is liable until novation. here, there is no novation so he is liable.

jaskarnbirTypewriterwe had the adoption here, this means that the corporation and the promoter are liable.

jaskarnbirTypewriteryes

jaskarnbirTypewriteryes, once you qualify.

CORPORATIONS

6

FACT PATTERN 2: ISSUANCE OF STOCK

I. WHAT IS ISSUANCE?

Issuance of stock occurs when a corporation sells or trades its own stock. It is a way to raise capital for the corporation. -- Mayberry Realty Corp. sells 10,000 shares of Mayberry stock. That is an issuance, because the corporation is selling its own stock. -- Family Guy sells 3,000 shares of Mayberry stock. Issuance? __________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ -- So that means that all these rules in this fact pattern apply only when the corporation is selling its own stock. NOT when you or I sell stock. II. SUBSCRIPTIONS [written offers to buy stock from corporation]

(1) Revocation of pre-incorporation subscriptions.

On January 10, S signs a subscription, offering to buy 100 shares of C Corp., a corporation not yet formed. A week later, S changes his mind. Can S revoke? No. A pre-incorporation subscription is irrevocable for six months unless it provides otherwise or all subscribers agree.

(2) Are post-incorporation subscriptions revocable? ______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(3) When do the corporation and the subscriber become obligated under a subscription agreement? ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

III. CONSIDERATIONCwhat must the corporation receive when it issues stock?

(1) Form of Consideration: split of authority on this.

A. Every state agrees that these are permitted: (1) money (cash or check), (2) tangible or intangible property, or (3) services already performed for the corporation. _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

B. The split of authority is about two other forms. In some states these are OK but

in some states they are prohibited (so using them results in Aunpaid stock,@ meaning its all treated as water): ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterno. only an issuance if the corporation

jaskarnbirTypewriteris selling the stock themselves.

jaskarnbirTypewriteryes, until acceptance.

jaskarnbirTypewriterwhen the board accepts the offer. once the board of directors accepts the offer, then

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe offer is irrevocable.



jaskarnbirTypewriter1) promissory notes 2) future services. if on your exam,

jaskarnbirTypewriteryou see either of these, you must flag them. they are ok under the model act, but many states dont follow

CORPORATIONS

7

(2) Amount of Consideration.

A. Par means Aminimum issuance price.@

C Corp. is selling 10,000 shares of $3 par stock. It must receive at least ________ __________________________________________________________________

B. No par means Ano minimum issuance price.@ Board of directors sets any price. C. Treasury stock.

This is stock that was previously issued and has been reacquired by the corporation. The corporation can then resell it. Treat the sale as no par.

D. Who determines the value of consideration received for an issuance? The board

of directors. And its valuation is conclusive if it was made in good faith. (In some states, its conclusive if the board acted without fraud.)

E. Consequences of issuing par stock for less than par value; i.e., Awatered stock.@

C Corp. issues 10,000 shares of $3 par to X for $22,000. The corporation (or its creditors if it is insolvent) wants to recover the $8,000 of Awater.@ Who is liable? (1) Directors? Yes, if they knowingly authorized the issuance. (2) X (the person who bought it)? _____________________________________

(3) What if X transfers the stock to A? A is not liable if she acts in good faith

(did not know about the water). -- But A=s status (good faith or not) has no effect on the liability of X or the directors.

IV. PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

(1) Preemptive right is the right of an existing shareholder to maintain her percentage of

ownership by buying stock whenever there is a new issuance of stock for money (cash or equivalent). Some states do not include sale of treasury stock as Anew issuance.@ -- S owns 1,000 shares of C Corp. There are 5,000 shares outstanding. C Corp. is planning to issue an additional 3,000 shares. If S has preemptive rights, then S has the right to _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

(2) What if the bar exam question does not indicate whether the articles of C Corp. provide

for preemptive rights? Split of authority. Traditionally, preemptive rights exist unless the articles provide otherwise. Strong trend says preemptive rights do not exist unless the articles provide for them.

jaskarnbirTypewriter$30,000

jaskarnbirTypewriterhe is liable also. no defense


jaskarnbirTypewriterhe has the right to buy 600, it is a percentage deal. 1k of 5k is 20% and then she is entitled to

jaskarnbirTypewriter20% of 3,000, which is 600.

jaskarnbirTypewriterfigure out what we covered in class


CORPORATIONS

8

-- The articles of C Corp. provide for preemptive rights. C Corp. is issuing stock to G to acquire Green Acres from G. Are there preemptive rights? NO. Why? _________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

FACT PATTERN 3: DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

I. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTSCDIRECTORS

(1) Number: one or more adult natural persons.

(2) Election: Shareholders elect directors (at the annual meeting).

(3) Shareholders can remove directors before their terms expire. Generally, majority of

shares entitled to vote must vote for removal. On what bases? ___________________

_____________________________________________________________________ -- But shareholders cannot remove a director if cumulative voting is in effect and the number of votes against removal would be enough to elect the director. We will see cumulative voting on page ________.

(4) Who selects the person who fills a vacancy on the Board? ______________________

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ --But if the shareholders created the vacancy by removing a director, the shareholders generally must select the replacement.

(5) Board action.

A. There are two ways the board can take a valid act: (1) unanimous written consent to act without a meeting, or (2) a meeting (can be held anywhere) that satisfies quorum and voting requirements. What if neither of these is met? ____________

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ -- Does a conference call qualify as a meeting (assuming all participants can hear

each other simultaneously)? __________________________________________ B. Notice is required for special meetings but not regular meetings. (The time and

place of regular meetings is set in bylaws.) The method for giving notice is usually in the bylaws. If the corporation fails to give notice of a special meeting to all directors, the meeting is void unless those not given notice waive the defect.

jaskarnbirTypewriterthis is not an issuance for money. here, it is for property.

jaskarnbirTypewriter21


jaskarnbirTypewriterwith or without cause.


jaskarnbirTypewriterboard or shareholders, generally


jaskarnbirTypewriterany act is void, unless it is ratified by a valid act which has to be met by the 2 things listed above



CORPORATIONS

9

C. Are proxies or voting agreements OK for director voting? __________________

_________________________________________________________________ D. Quorum for meetings. We need a majority of all directors to do business (unless

bylaws require otherwise). If a quorum is present at a meeting, to pass a resolution (how the Board takes an act at a meeting) we need only a majority vote of those present.

-- So, if there are 9 directors, at least ________ directors must attend the meeting to constitute a quorum. If 5 directors attend, at least ________ must vote yes to pass a resolution.

II. ROLE OF DIRECTORS

(1) The board manages the business of corporation., e.g., it sets policy, selects and supervises officers, declares distributions, decides when to issue stock, recommends fundamental changes to the shareholders. So note that the shareholders do not run the corporation. They elect the directors, who run the corporation.

(2) The board can delegate substantial management functions to a committee, but a

committee cannot: (1) amend bylaws, (2) declare dividends or (3) recommend a fundamental corporate change to shareholders. _______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

III. DUTY OF CARE (Burden on Plaintiff)

Duty of care standard: A director owes the corporation a duty of care. She must do what a prudent person would do with regard to her own business.

(1) Nonfeasance (the director does nothing).

Justin Timberlake, a director of C Corp., fails to attend any of the board of directors= meetings or to keep abreast of the company business in any way. The corporation loses money on several deals. Will Justin be held liable for these losses for breaching the duty of care? --State the duty of care standard. A prudent person would attend some meetings and do some work. Justin never did anything, so he has breached the duty of care. BUT HE IS LIABLE ONLY IF: _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterno, they are void and

jaskarnbirTypewriteragainst public policy. here, it is important to remember that one person can play diff roles (shareholder & director)

jaskarnbirTypewriterif she is a shareholder then proxy voting and voting agreements are fine.



jaskarnbirTypewritera committee is usually one or more directors


jaskarnbirTypewriterlazy director

jaskarnbirTypewriterhis breach caused a loss to the corporation. it is not enough for the P to show

jaskarnbirTypewriterthat there has been a breach of duty of care. you must show CAUSATION. it is very tough to do that because

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe corporation would have lost money anyways.

CORPORATIONS

10

(2) Misfeasance (the board does something that hurts the corporation). The directors of Hedonists= Hot Tubs, Inc., vote to start a new line of hot tubs with built-in wine coolers and video cameras. The idea is a disaster and the corporation loses money. Are the directors liable for breach of the duty of care? -- State the duty of care standard. Here, the directors= action caused a loss to the corporation. BUT, a director is not liable if she meets the business judgment rule (ABJR@). ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

BJR: So a court will not second-guess a business decision if it was made in good faith, was informed, and had a rational basis. _____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

IV. DUTY OF LOYALTY (Burden on Defendant because BJR does not apply in cases involving conflict of interest.)

Duty of loyalty standard: A director owes the corporation a duty of loyalty. She must act in good faith and with a reasonable belief that what she does is in the corporation=s best interest.

(1) Interested Director TransactionCany deal between the corporation and one of its

directors or another business of the director=s.

Martha is a director of XYZ, Inc. She sells wreaths to the corporation. That is an interested director transaction. Is Martha in trouble? -- State the duty of loyalty standard. Interested director transaction will be set aside UNLESS the director shows: (1) the deal was fair to the corporation when entered, OR (2) her interest and the relevant facts were disclosed or known and the deal was approved by either of these: ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ -- Special quorum rules: interested directors count toward quorum.


jaskarnbirTypewriterthe standard is what a prudent person would do. prudent people do appropriate homework.

jaskarnbirTypewriterdid they deliberate, analyze, etc.... prudent people do these things. if they do these things then they are not


jaskarnbirTypewriterliable.

jaskarnbirTypewriteras a director you don't have to be right 100%. you just

jaskarnbirTypewriterhave to do the homework that a prudent person would do. grossly negligent or irrational is usually when you are

jaskarnbirTypewritergoing to be liable


jaskarnbirTypewriterthe burden on the D. she must show that the deal was fair when entered.

jaskarnbirTypewriterthen it gets the green light by either majority of disinterested directors or majority of disinterested shares.

jaskarnbirTypewritersecond, her interest and relevant facts were disclosed or know and then deal

CORPORATIONS

11

-- Directors can set their own compensation, but it must be reasonable. If excessive, it=s waste of corporate assets, and a breach of the duty of loyalty.

(2) Competing Ventures.

Sharon is a director of Ozzie's Music Co. She can also serve on the board of directors of Home Depot because it does not compete with Ozzie's. But can Sharon start her own music company? -- State the duty of loyalty standard. Director cannot compete directly with her corporation. -- Remedy: ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(3) Corporate Opportunity (Expectancy).

Cheatem is a director of C Realty Corp., which develops condo projects. Cheatem learns of some land that has been zoned for condos and buys it for himself as an investment. What are C=s rights, if any, against Cheatem? -- State the duty of loyalty standard. Director cannot USURP a corporate opportunity. That means the director cannot take it until he (1) tells the board and (2) waits for the board to reject the opportunity. -- What is a corporate opportunity? Some say it=s anything in the corporation=s

business line. ______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

-- Is the company=s financial inability to pay for the opportunity a defense? _____

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

-- Remedy: If Cheatem still has it, he must sell it to the corporation at his cost. If Cheatem has sold it at a profit, the corporation gets the profit. (Constructive trust.)

V. OTHER BASES OF DIRECTOR LIABILITY

(1) Ultra vires acts. Responsible officers and directors are liable for ultra vires losses.

Remember we did this back on page ________.

jaskarnbirTypewriterconstructive trust on sharon's profit. if sharon goes into business then she has to cough up the

jaskarnbirTypewriterprofits to Ozzie

jaskarnbirTypewriterbusiness line is the delaware test. something the corporation has an interest or an

jaskarnbirTypewriteran expectancy in. did the director find this on her time or company time? if it is on her own time then

jaskarnbirTypewriterit may not be a corporate opportunity. the answer to the example above is that it looks like a corporate

jaskarnbirTypewriteropportunity.

jaskarnbirTypewritergenerally

jaskarnbirTypewriternot.


CORPORATIONS

12

(2) Improper loans.

Curly, Moe and Larry are directors of C Corp. The board of directors votes to lend Curly $100,000 of corporate funds. Generally, such a loan is OK only if the board finds that it is reasonably expected to benefit the corporation. ____________________ ______________________________________________________________________ -- Sarbanes-Oxley Act (federal law) prohibits most loans to executives in registered (publicly traded) corporations.

(3) Improper distributions. See page ________. (4) Which directors are liable for all the things directors be liable for?

A. General rule.

A director is presumed to have concurred with Board action unless her dissent or abstention is noted in writing in corporate records. That means (1) in the minutes or (2) in writing to the corporate secretary at the meeting or (3) registered letter to the corporate secretary immediately after the meeting. -- So is an oral dissent effective? ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ -- You cannot dissent if you voted for the resolution at the meeting.

B. Exceptions.

(1) Absent directors are not liable. (2) Good faith reliance on (a) book value of assets or (b) opinion of a competent

employee, officer, professional, or committee of which the director relying was not a member, or (c) financial statements by auditors. Must have a reasonable belief in the competence of the persons providing such information.

VI. OFFICERS (owe the same duties of care and loyalty as directors).

(1) Status: Officers are agents of the corporation. So they can bind the

corporation by acts for which they have authority to bind it.

-- President generally has inherent authority to bind the corporation to contracts in the ordinary course of business.

Traditionally, must have a president, a secretary and a treasurer. Can also have others. Today, can one person hold multiple offices simultaneously? __________

__________________________________________________________________




jaskarnbirTypewriternot by itself, it must get into writing by the ways listed above.


jaskarnbirTypewritergenerally yes.

jaskarnbirTypewriterthis is the general standard.

CORPORATIONS

13

(2) Selection and removal of officers.

Officers are selected by and removed by the directors. Directors also set officer compensation.

The directors of Pharmacy Inc. appoint Tom Cruise as president. What happens if they fire him from the presidency?

-- Toms gone, although the corporation may be liable for breach of contract damages. _________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

-- So shareholders hire and fire directors, but directors hire and fire officers. Generally, then, shareholders do NOT hire and fire officers.

VII. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

(1) An officer or director gets sued by or on behalf of the corporation. She has incurred

costs, attorneys= fees, maybe even fines, a judgment or settlement. She seeks reimbursement from the corporation.

A. No indemnification; i.e., when is corporation barred from indemnifying?

If held liable to the corporation or held to have received an improper personal benefit.

B. Mandatory indemnification; i.e., when is a corporation required to indemnify? In some states, if she was Awholly successful@ (on the merits or otherwise) in defending the action. In others, Ato the extent@ she was successful. ____________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

C. Permissive indemnification; i.e., when is a corporation permitted to indemnify?

1. Situations: anything not satisfying A. and B. above. Watch for settlement. 2. Eligibility standards: she must show that she acted in good faith and with the

reasonable belief that her actions were in the company=s best interests. 3. Who determines eligibility? Disinterested directors or disinterested shares or

independent legal counsel.

(2) Notwithstanding these rules, the court where director or officer was sued can order indemnification if it is justified in view of all circumstances. Usually limited to costs and attorneys= fees (not any judgment against the director or officer).

jaskarnbirTypewriterif we breached the contract, he will get damages....he wont get the job back.

jaskarnbirTypewriterfor an example,

jaskarnbirTypewriterif she wins on 1 cause of action out of 4 causes of actions then it will be valid under "to the extent"

jaskarnbirTypewriterbut not under "wholly successful."

jaskarnbirTypewriterduty of loyalty

CORPORATIONS

14

(3) Articles can provide for limitation or elimination of liability for damages, but not for breach of the duty of loyalty, intentional misconduct or wrongful personal benefit. In some states, such provisions are available for directors only, not officers.

FACT PATTERN 4: SHAREHOLDERS

I. HOLDING SHAREHOLDERS LIABLE FOR THE ACTS OR DEBTS OF THE CORPORATION (SHAREHOLDER AS DEFENDANT)

Generally, a shareholder is not liable for the acts or debts of a corporation. But a court might Apierce the corporate veil@ (PCV), which means the court will hold shareholders personally liable for what the corporation did. To do this, two things must be true: (1) the shareholders have abused the privilege of incorporating and (2) fairness requires it. PCV has only been used in close corporations.

-- PCV standard (when fairness requires piercing): most courts will PCV to avoid fraud or unfairness. (PCV is never automatic.) ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________ (1) Alter ego (identity of interests).

X and Y are the shareholders of C Corp. X is also the chief executive officer. X commingles personal and corporate funds, uses the corporate car as his own, and uses the corporate credit card to pay for personal purchases. Can a creditor of the corporation who has been unable to collect its claim from the corporation collect from either X or Y? -- Start with general rule (shareholders not liable for acts or debts of corporation). Then PCV standard. Here a court MIGHT PCV if X=s failure to respect the separate corporate entity harmed creditors. Sloppy administration generally is not enough for PCV, but here X treated the corporation as his alter ego by treating the corporation and personal assets as interchangeable. _________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ -- If PCV on these facts, only X would be liable. Y has done nothing wrong.


jaskarnbirTypewriterif the abuse harmed the creditors then both elements are met

jaskarnbirTypewriteryou can make the argument based on the abuse of the corporation

CORPORATIONS

15

(2) Undercapitalization.

S is a shareholder of Glowco, Inc., G, a corporation that hauls and disposes of nuclear waste. G does not carry insurance. G has an initial capitalization of $1,000. V is injured when one of G=s trucks melts down. Can V sue S? -- General rule; PCV standard. Here a court MIGHT PCV because the corporation was undercapitalized when formed. Why? Because shareholders failed to invest enough to cover prospective liabilities. ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________ -- Instead of PCV here, a court might subordinate debt owed to the responsible shareholders (if any) to that of other creditors.

Remember (always say this in a PCV hypo): courts are generally more willing to PCV for a tort victim than for a contract claimant.

II. SHAREHOLDER MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATION

(1) Remember that generally the board of directors manages a corporation. (2) Shareholders can manage corporation directly in a close corporation. What are the

characteristics of a close corporation? ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________ -- The shareholders in a close corporation can elect a board of directors, and the board will manage the corporation. Or they can eliminate the board of directors and run the corporation themselves. Usually, this is done by unanimous shareholder agreement. If the shareholders eliminate the board and take over management, who owes the duties of care and loyalty to the corporation? ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(3) Shareholders in a close corporation owe each other fiduciary duties. Watch especially

a controlling shareholder who oppresses minority shareholders, e.g., selling control (without reasonable investigation of the buyer) to someone who loots the corporation or other oppression of minority shareholders. Courts may be willing to help the minority shareholder here. WHY? Because there is no public market for the shares (so the minority shareholder cannot just get out by selling shares).

jaskarnbirTypewritergeneral rule => shareholders are generally not liable personally

jaskarnbirTypewriterthat is true here.

jaskarnbirTypewriter1) few shareholders (no magic number) 2) the stock

jaskarnbirTypewriteris not publicly traded.

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe managing shareholders, they are fiduciaries

CORPORATIONS

16

(4) Licensed professionals, including lawyers, medical professionals, and CPAs, may incorporate as a Aprofessional corporation.@ The name must include the designation Aprofessional corporation@ or Aprofessional association@ or an abbreviation of one of those. The shareholders must be licensed professionals and generally the P.C. may practice only one profession. The P.C. may employ non-professionals (not to render professional services). The professionals and the P.C. remain personally liable for their own malpractice or misconduct in rendering professional services. Shareholders are generally not liable for each other=s malpractice or for corporate obligations. Generally, the rules governing regular corporations apply to the P.C.

III. SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE SUITS (SHAREHOLDER AS PLAINTIFF)

(1) In a derivative suit, a shareholder is suing to enforce the corporation=s claim, not her

own personal claim.

To determine if its a derivative suit, ask: could the corporation have brought this suit? If so, it is probably a derivative suit. -- S sues the board of directors of C Corp. for usurping corporate opportunities. Derivative suit? YESC duty of loyalty (and care) are owed to corporation. _________ _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

-- S sues board of directors of C Corp. for issuing new stock without honoring her preemptive rights. Derivative suit? NoCthis is a direct suit, to vindicate S=s personal claim.

(2) What are the consequences of a successful derivative suit? Generally, the recovery in any successful derivative suit goes to the corporation (not to the shareholder (S)) who brought the suit on behalf of the corporation. ____________ _____________________________________________________________________

-- What does S receive? Costs and attorneys= fees, usually from the corporation. After all, the shareholder conferred a benefit on the corporation by suing and winning.

(3) What are the consequences of an unsuccessful shareholders= derivative suit?

-- Can S still recover costs and attorneys= fees? _______________________________ -- Is S liable to the people he sued for their costs and attorneys= fees? Yes, if he sued without reasonable cause. -- Can other shareholders later sue X on the same transaction? ___________________

_____________________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterno

jaskarnbirTypewriterno, res judicata

jaskarnbirTypewritera breach hurts the corporation

jaskarnbirTypewriterit is the corporation's claim so they should get the benefits.

CORPORATIONS

17

(4) What are the requirements for bringing a shareholder derivative suit?

A. Stock ownership.

The person bringing suit must have owned stock at the time the claim arose or have gotten it by operation of law from someone who did own stock when the claim arose. What are examples of operation of law? ______________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

B. Must also show that S will adequately represent the interest of the corporation.

__________________________________________________________________ C. Must also make a written demand on directors that the corporation bring suit

UNLESS demand would be futile. Why would demand be futile? ____________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

D. Usually must plead with particularity the efforts to get the corporation to sue or why demand was excused.

E. Corporation can move to dismiss the derivative suit based on findings by

disinterested directors (or a committee of disinterested directors) that suit is not in the corporation=s best interest (e.g., low chance of success or cost of litigation would exceed recovery).

-- The court will scrutinize whether the directors making the recommendation are

truly disinterested and, if so, dismiss. In some states, the court will also make an independent determination of whether dismissal is in the corporation=s best interest.

(5) Litigation.

A. The corporation must be joined as a defendant. Even though the suit asserts the corporation's claim, the corporation did not do so, so it is joined initially as a defendant.

B. No dismissal or settlement without court approval. Court can give notice to those

who would be affected, and get their input on whether dismissal or settlement should be approved.

jaskarnbirTypewriterinheritance, divorce decree

jaskarnbirTypewriterif the defendants in the suits are the directors who are reviewing the demand

CORPORATIONS

18

IV. SHAREHOLDER VOTING (1) Who votes?

General rule is that record shareholder as of record date has the right to vote. A. The record shareholder is the person shown as the owner in the corporate records.

The record date is a voter eligibility cut-off.

C Corp. sets its annual meeting for July 7 and record date for June 6. S sells B her C Corp. stock on June 25. Who is entitled to vote the shares at the meeting, S or B? ______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

B. Exceptions to the general rule that record owner on record date votes.

1. Treasury stock. Suppose the corporation reacquires stock before record date.

So the corporation is the record owner on the record date of this treasury stock. Does the corporation vote the treasury stock? __________________.

2. Death of shareholder.

-- S owns stock in C Corp.; S is the record shareholder. After the record date, S dies. Can S=s executor vote the shares? ____________________________

3. Proxies.

A proxy is a (i) writing (fax increasingly OK; e-mail OK in some states), (ii) signed by record shareholder, (iii) directed to secretary of corporation, (iv) authorizing another to vote the shares. -- On February 2, 2007, S sends a letter to secretary of C Corp. authorizing Charlie Whitebread to vote her shares. Can Charlie vote S=s shares at the 2007 annual meeting in July? Yes. This is a proxy.

-- This is OK in shareholder voting. Remember, proxies are not permitted for voting by directors. Page ________.

-- Can Charlie vote S=s shares at the 2008 annual meeting in July 2008? ___ ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

-- What if, prior to the 2007 meeting, S writes to the secretary of C Corp. that she now wants Jim Cramer to vote her shares at the 2007 meeting? _______ ______________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterS



jaskarnbirTypewriterno, 11 months


jaskarnbirTypewriterthat is okay, she has revoked charlie's proxy

CORPORATIONS

19

-- Can S revoke her proxy even though it states that it is irrevocable? _____ ______________________________________________________________

-- S sells B her shares after the record date but before the annual meeting. S gives B an Airrevocable proxy@ to vote the shares at the annual meeting. Can S revoke this proxy? No, because (1) it says irrevocable and (2) the proxyholder has some interest in the shares other than voting. This is a Aproxy coupled with an interest.@ ___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ -- Here, the interest is ownership. But it could be an option, pledge, etc.

C. Voting trusts and voting agreements.

X, Y, and Z own relatively few shares of C Corp. They decide that they can increase their influence on corporate policy by Ablock voting,@ i.e., voting alike. 1. Requirements for voting trust.

a. Written trust agreement controlling how the shares will be voted; b. Copy to corporation; c. Transfer legal title of shares to voting trustee; d. Original shareholders receive trust certificates and retain all shareholder

rights except for voting. _____________________________________ __________________________________________________________

2. Requirements for voting (Apooling@) agreement.

a. Can shareholders enter into voting agreements? ___________________ b. What is required? __________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

c. Are voting agreements specifically enforceable? __________________

(2) Where do shareholders vote?

A. There are two ways shareholders can take a valid corporate act: (1) unanimous written consent of the holders of all voting shares, or (2) a meeting (held anywhere) that satisfies quorum and voting rules.

jaskarnbirTypewriteryes.

jaskarnbirTypewriterit is met here

jaskarnbirTypewriter10 year max in most states.


jaskarnbirTypewriterin writing and signed


jaskarnbirTypewritersplit of authority

20

B. Annual meeting: to elect directors. If not held, a shareholder can petition the court to order one.

C. Special meeting can be called by (a) the Board, (b) the president, (c) the holders

of at least 10 percent of the voting shares or (d) someone else as provided in the articles. -- Suppose a proper person calls a shareholder meeting for the purpose of removing an officer. There is a problem with this. Why? __________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

D. Notice requirementCmust give written notice to every shareholder entitled to

vote, for every meeting (annual or special). 1. Contents of the notice: always must tell them when and where and must state

purpose. Why is statement of purpose important? Because that is the only business that can be transacted at that meeting. _______________________

______________________________________________________________

2. Consequence of failure to give proper notice to all shareholdersCaction

taken at the meeting is void unless those not sent notice waive the notice defect.

How does waiver occur?

-- (1) ExpressCin writing and signed any time; or -- (2) ImpliedCattend the meeting without objection.

(3) How do shareholders vote?

There must be a quorum represented at the meeting. Determination of a quorum focuses on the number of shares represented, not the number of shareholders. Generally, a quorum requires a majority of outstanding shares. -- X Corp. has 120,000 shares outstanding. X Corp. has 700 shareholders. What or who constitutes a quorum? ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

-- If quorum requirement is met, a majority may act to bind the corporation unless the articles or the bylaws require higher vote. But Amajority@ of whatCshares present or shares actually voting?


jaskarnbirTypewritershareholders cannot remove officers (tricky question)

jaskarnbirTypewriterwe need at least 60,001 shares

CORPORATIONS

21

-- X Corp. has 120,000 shares outstanding. 62,000 shares are represented at the meeting, but only 50,000 shares vote on a particular proposal. How many shares must vote for the proposal for it to be accepted by the shareholders? ___________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

(4) How and when do shareholders use cumulative voting?

A. Cumulative voting is only available in voting for directors. It is a device to give small shareholders a better chance of electing someone to the Board.

B. Multiply number of shares times number of directors to be elected.

You own 1,000 shares of stock in C Corp. C Corp. has nine directorships open for election. You believe that Napleon Dynamite should be director of C Corp. Under cumulative voting, how many votes can you cast for Napoleon? ______________ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

C. The articles of C Corp. are silent as to whether shareholders can vote

cumulatively. Can C=s shareholders still vote cumulatively? Generally noCthis exists in most states only if the articles provide.

V. STOCK TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

One nice thing about stock is that it is freely transferable you can sell it, will it, give it away. Sometimes people want to impose restrictions on the transferability of stock. Often, this is in a close corporation, to keep outsiders out. Example: Federline is a shareholder of Famous For No Reason, Inc. His stock is subject to a stock transfer restriction that requires him to offer it first to the corporation (this is a Aright of first refusal@). Federline sells the stock to Paris Hilton in violation of the agreement.

A. Stock transfer restrictions will be upheld provided they are reasonable under the

circumstances, which means not an undue restraint on alienation. The right of first refusal is OK, assuming the corporation offers a reasonable price. ____________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

B. Action against the transferee of the stock. Even if the restriction is reasonable and thus valid, it cannot be invoked against the transferee unless either (a) it is conspicuously noted on the stock certificate or (b) the transferee had actual knowledge of the restriction.

jaskarnbirTypewriterwe need at least 25,001 (only those who have voted)

jaskarnbirTypewriter9,000 votes

jaskarnbirTypewriteryou have to offer it to the corporation first

CORPORATIONS

22

VI. RIGHT OF SHAREHOLDER (PERSONALLY OR BY AGENT) TO INSPECT (AND COPY) THE BOOKS AND RECORDS OF THE CORPORATION

(1) Standing: who can demand access? Generally, any shareholder. (2) Procedure: written demand stating a proper purpose, which means: _______________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(3) What are the consequences if the corporation does not allow inspection after proper demand? Shareholder moves for court order. If successful, also generally recovers costs and attorneys= fees incurred in making the motion.

(4) Directors dont have to make any showing to get access to the books and records.

Because of their management responsibilities, they have unfettered access. ________

_____________________________________________________________________

VII. DISTRIBUTIONS (Payments to shareholdersCcan be (1) a dividend or (2) to repurchase a shareholder=s stock or (3) to redeem stock (redemption is a forced sale to corporation at a price set in the articles).)

(1) Distributions are to be declared in the Board=s discretion. An action to compel

declaration of a distribution is tough to win. Can win only on a very strong showing of abuse of discretion. For example, if the corporation consistently makes profits and the board refuses to declare a dividend while paying themselves a bonus.

(2) Which shareholders get dividends? (Preferred, Participating, Cumulative, Common)

-- The board of directors of C Corp. decides to declare dividends totalling $400,000. Who receives dividends if the outstanding stock is: 1. 100,000 shares of common stock. ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 2. 100,000 shares of common and 20,000 shares of preferred with $2 dividend

preference. Preferred means pay first. 20,000 preferred shares multiplied by $2 preference equals a total preference of $40,000. That is paid first. That leaves $360,000, which goes to the common shares. Because there are 100,000 of those, each common share gets $3.60. _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterrelated to her role as a shareholder. for example that could be hostile to management, so you can get

jaskarnbirTypewritera list of members for proxy voting, etc....

jaskarnbirTypewriterthis is for shareholders

jaskarnbirTypewriter$4 per share

CORPORATIONS

23

3. 100,000 shares of common and 20,000 shares of $2 preferred that is participating. Participating means pay again. So these 20,000 shares get paid first (because they are preferred) and also get paid again (because they are participating). Work the preferred aspect same as in hypo #2: 20,000 shares multiplied by $2 equals $40,000 total preference. Pay that first. That leaves $360,000, as in hypo #2.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

4. 100,000 shares of common and 20,000 shares of $2 preferred that is cumulative

(and no dividends have been paid in the three prior years).Cumulative means add them up. A cumulative dividend accrues year-to-year. So the corporation owes the cumulative holders for the three prior years, plus this year (when the dividend was declared). That means the corporation owes them four years= worth of a $2 preference. Four years multiplied by $2 equals $8 per share. So the corporation owes $8 to each cumulative preferred share. There are 20,000 such shares.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

(3) For any distribution (dividend, repurchase, redemption), which funds can be used?

1. Earned surplus: this is generated by business activity. a. How is earned surplus computed? All earnings minus all losses minus

distributions previously paid. b. How can earned surplus be used? __________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewriterhere that 360,000 gets divided 120,000 shares. so the participating gets paid the original $2. also, he gets paid $3 from the 360,000 / 120,000

jaskarnbirTypewriteryou pay $60,000 first.

jaskarnbirTypewriterit is a proper fund for distribution. it is up to the board

24

2. Stated capital: this is generated by issuing stock. (So is capital surplus, below.) --So when we have an issuance, the consideration will be allocated between stated

capital and capital surplus.

a. Can stated capital be used for distributions? __________________________ b. How is stated capital computed?

-- C Corp. has issued 10,000 shares of $2 par stock for $50,000. Of that, $20,000 goes to stated capital and $30,000 goes to capital surplus. Why? On a par issuance, the par value goes to stated capital. Here thats $20,000. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

-- And the excess over par goes to capital surplus. Here, thats $30,000.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

If we had a no-par issuance, the board allocates the consideration between stated capital and capital surplus. __________________________________

3. Capital surplus: this is also generated by issuing stock.

a. How is capital surplus computed? Payments in excess of par plus amounts allocated on a no-par issuance.

b. Can capital surplus be used for distributions? _________________________

_____________________________________________________________

(4) Instead of the foregoing fund requirements, many states now simply say the corporation can declare a distribution as long as the corporation is not insolvent or if the distribution would render it insolvent. Insolvent means either:

a. the corporation is unable to pay debts as they come due OR b. its assets are less than its liabilities (and liabilities include liquidation (or

dissolution) preferences); we will see liquidation preferences on page 29. (5) Directors are personally liable for unlawful distributions, as are shareholders who

knew the distribution was unlawful when they received it. In some states, director liability here is strict; in some, directors are only liable if the distribution is made in breach of a duty. Remember, however, directors= possible defense of good faith reliance. Cross-reference page _________ .


jaskarnbirTypewriterbecause we sold 10,000 shares at $2 par



jaskarnbirTypewriteryes, if you inform the shareholders




25

FACT PATTERN 5: FUNDAMENTAL CORPORATE CHANGES

I. CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNDAMENTAL CORPORATE CHANGE (1) Unusual occurrences, so they require board of director action and (2) Approval by __________________________ of the shares entitled to vote. So this is

different from shareholder voting before. Here its not enough to get a majority of the shares present or that actually vote we need a majority of those entitled to vote.

(3) Possibility of dissenting shareholder right of appraisal.

A. The right of appraisal is the right of a shareholder to force the corporation to buy her shares at fair value. This is the shareholders sole remedy for these fundamental changes unless there is fraud.

B. When will a shareholder have a dissenting shareholder right of appraisal?

1. Actions by corporation to trigger right -- any of these:

a. merger or consolidation; b. transfer of substantially all assets not in the ordinary course of business; c. transfer of shares in a share exchange.

2. Actions by shareholder to perfect right:

a. Before shareholder vote, file with the corporation written notice of objection and intent to demand payment;

b. Abstain or vote against the proposed change; and c. After the vote, make written demand to be bought out.

C. If the shareholder and the corporation cannot agree on fair value of the shares,

what happens? _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ D. Some states do not grant the right of appraisal if the company=s stock is listed on a

national exchange or has a large number of shareholders (e.g., 2,000 or more). This makes sense, because in such a large corporation, there is a public market for the shares, so the disgruntled shareholder can just sell on the market. She doesnt need to force the corporation to buy her out.

II. AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES

(1) Board of director action and notice to shareholders. (2) Shareholder approval.

If there are 4,000 outstanding shares entitled to vote, how many must vote for the amendment? __________________________________________________________

jaskarnbirTypewritera majority

jaskarnbirTypewriterwe litigate

jaskarnbirTypewriterat least 2,001

CORPORATIONS

26

-- What if only 2,400 shares showed up to vote on the amendment? _______________ _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(3) If approved, file amended articles with Secretary of State. (4) Are there dissenting shareholder rights of appraisal? No. But if the amendment harms a

class of stock, the amendment must be approved by the shares of that class itself as well as by the overall majority of all shares entitled to vote. This is Aclass voting.@

III. MERGERS [B, Inc. merges into A Corp.] OR CONSOLIDATIONS [A Corp. and B,

Inc. form C Corp.] (1) Board of director action (both corporations), and notice to shareholders. (2) Shareholder approval (generally both corporations). ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ (3) If approved, file articles of merger (or consolidation) with Secretary of State. (4) REMEMBER DISSENTING SHAREHOLDER RIGHT OF APPRAISAL. (5) Effect of merger or consolidation: _________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ -- This rule makes sense because the constituent corporation disappeared. So a creditor

of that corporation can sue the survivor.

IV. TRANSFER OF ALL OR SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS NOT IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS OR SHARE EXCHANGE (one company acquires all the stock of another)

(1) Are these fundamental changes for the transferring corporation? _________________

(2) Are these fundamental changes for the buying corporation? _____________________

So the shareholders of the buying corporation DO NOT VOTE ON THESE.

-- S Corp. wants to sell all of its assets to B, Inc. or B, Inc. wants to buy all the shares of S Corp. We need:

(1) Board of director action (both corporations), and notice to selling corporation=s shareholders.

jaskarnbirTypewriteryou still need at least

jaskarnbirTypewriter2,001 votes

jaskarnbirTypewritermajority of the shares entitled to vote

jaskarnbirTypewriterthe surviving company succeeds to all rights and liability of the constituent



CORPORATIONS

27

(2) Approval by transferring corporation=s shareholders.

A. Number of shares of S Corp. that must approve the sale? _______________

_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ B. Number of shares of B, Inc. that must approve the sale? NONE. THEY

DON'T VOTE, BECAUSE IT'S NOT A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE FOR THE BUYING CORPORATION.

(3) Are there dissenting shareholders= rights of appraisal? Yes, for shareholders of the

transferring corporation only.

(4) File articles of exchange with the Secretary of State in share exchange. Usually, no filing in transfer of assets.

(5) Generally, acquiring company is not liable for debts of the acquired company

unless the deal says otherwise or unless the company purchasing assets is merely a continuation of the selling corporation. This makes sense, because the corporation that sold its assets still exists, so a creditor can still sue it.

V. DISSOLUTION

(1) Voluntary.

A. Board of directors action and approval by a majority of the shares entitled to vote. B. File articles of dissolution and give notice to creditors.

(2) Involuntary (by court order).

A. Shareholder can petition because of: (1) director abuse, waste of assets, misconduct; or (2) director deadlock that harms the company; or (3) shareholder deadlock and failure for at least two annual meetings to fill a vacant board position. -- Alternative to dissolution: the court might order the corporation or majority shareholders to: ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ -- This is especially likely in a close corporation.

B. Creditor can petition because the corporation is insolvent and the creditor either has an unsatisfied judgment against the corporation or the corporation admits the debt in writing.

jaskarnbirTypewritermajority of the shares entitled to vote


jaskarnbirTypewriterto buyout the petitioning shareholder

CORPORATIONS

28

(3) After filing articles of voluntary dissolution, or after court order of involuntary dissolution, corporation stays in existence to wind up. Winding up: (a) gather all assets, (b) convert to cash, (c) pay creditors, and (d) distribute remainder to shareholders pro-rata by share unless there is a dissolution (or liquidation) preference. -- What's a liquidation preference? Works like a dividend preference; pay first. ______________________________________________________________________

FACT PATTERN 6: FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW

I. SECURITIES ARE INVESTMENTS.

(1) Debt. Investor lends capital to the corporation, to be repaid (usually with interest) as

specified in the agreement. Shes a creditor, not an owner, of the corporation.

A. Secured by corporate assetsCAbond@ B. UnsecuredCAdebenture@

(2) Equity. Investor buys stock, and has an ownership interest in the corporation. This status carries various rights, e.g., to inspect records, bring derivative suits. Shes an owner, not a creditor, of the corporation.

II. RULE 10b-5CAIMED AT DECEITFUL BEHAVIOR. This federal law prohibits fraud and misrepresentation (or nondisclosure) in connection with the purchase or sale of any security (debt or equity).

(1) AInstrumentality of interstate commerce@ (telephone, mail or if deal goes through

national exchange) (2) Type transactions

A. Misrepresentation of material information. B. Trading on inside information when duty to disclose exists (relationship of trust

and confidence with shareholders of the corporation). This means insiders cannot trade on secrets. They must abstain or disclose so everybodys on the same footing.

C. Tipping (passing along material inside information for a wrongful purpose).

(3) Materiality. The misrepresentation or omission must concern a Amaterial@ factCone that a reasonable investor would consider important in making an investment decision.

(4) Possible plaintiffs:

A. SEC B. Private action for damages by buyer or seller of securities

jaskarnbirTypewriterthis would be in the articles

CORPORATIONS

29

Widget Corp. issues a press release that Buffett has expressed an interest in acquiring a major block of its stock. The release fails to indicate that it is Jimmy Buffett and not Warren Buffett who is interested. Because of this press release, Duffy does not sell his Widget stock. Does Duffy have a 10b-5 cause of action? __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

(5) Possible defendantsCAany person@ (including entities).

A. Company that issues a misleading press release. B. Buyer or seller of securities who misrepresents material information. C. Buyer or seller of securities who trades on material inside information (when

there is a duty to abstain or disclose, which comes from relationship of trust and confidence with shareholders of the corporation).

D. Tipper or tippee.

1. L, a lawyer for X Co., learns that X Co. is planning to merge with Y Corp. She telephones her son-in-law Joe about this, and urges him to buy X Co. stock. Acting on the tip, Joe buys the stock. Any violations of Rule 10b-5?

L is a tipper because: (1) she passed inside information in breach of a duty to X Co., and (2) she benefitted. How did she benefit? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________

-- Joe is a tippee because (1) he traded on the tip and (2) knew or should have known that the information was improperly passed. _______________ ______________________________________________________________

2. D is a director of C Corp. While waiting for a concert to start, D tells her husband about a new, secret processing method that C Corp. has just developed. Bobbitt, who is sitting in the next row, overhears the conversation and buys C Corp. stock on a national exchange. Any violations of 10b-5? No. At worst, D was merely negligent, which is not enough for 10b-5 liability.

-- So D is not a tipper. UNDER 10B-5, IF THERE IS NO TIPPER, THERE

CANNOT BE A TIPPEE. ________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(6) Scienter. D must have an intent to deceive, manipulate or defraud. Recklessness may suffice.

(7) Reliance. Said to be a separate element, as in fraud, but is presumed in public

misrepresentation and nondisclosure cases.

jaskarnbirTypewriterno, because he did not buy or sold

jaskarnbirTypewritermaking a gift or enhancing reputation is enough

jaskarnbirTypewriterbobbitt is okay

CORPORATIONS

30

III. SECTION 16BCAIMED AT SPECULATION BY DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND TEN PERCENT SHAREHOLDERS. THIS IS STRICT LIABILITY! INTENT IS IRRELEVANT.

This federal law provides for recovery by the corporation (so it could be a shareholder derivative suit) of Aprofits@ gained by certain insiders from buying and selling the company=s stock. The theory is that it is bad for market confidence to have these insiders buying and selling their own corporation=s stock. (1) When does 16b apply?

A. AReporting@ corporationC(i) listed on a national exchange or (ii) at least 500 shareholders and $10 million in assets.

B. Type defendant.

-- Director (either when she bought or sold) or -- Officer (either when she bought or sold) or -- Shareholder who owns more than 10 percent of the corporations stock (to be covered, she must own this much both when she bought and sold)

C. Type transaction.

Buying and selling stock within a single six-month period (short-swing trading)

(2) What happens when 16b applies? All Aprofits@ from such Ashort-swing trading@ are recoverable by the corporation. If, within six months before or after any sale, there was a purchase at a lower price, there is a profit. -- D is a director of Acme, Inc., which is a reporting corporation. In 2005, D bought 700 shares of Acme stock for $10 a share. In January 2007, D sold 700 shares for $6. In March 2007, D bought 200 Acme shares for $1 a share. What result? Doesnt seem like theres a profit but there is a $1,000 profit under 16B. D owes the corporation $1,000. KEY TO 16B -- FOCUS ON THE SALE. HERE THE SALE WAS JANUARY 2007, D SOLD AT $6. ________________________________________ --Did she buy at less than $6 within 6 months before the sale in January 2007? ______

____________________________________________________________________

--Did she buy at less than $6 within 6 months after the sale in January 2007? _______

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


jaskarnbirTypewriterf



CORPORATIONS

31

-- Multiply $5 profit times 200 shares. Why 200? Because that is the largest number of shares she both bought and sold within the six months._______________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

LAST POINT: If you have questions, call me. Please do not e-mail; e-mail is not a good option for me. Call and if Im not there, leave your question and your phone number and I will call you back. My phone number is: _______________________________________________

Documents

Barbri Corporation Outline