In Wagner v. BRP Group Inc., the Delaware Court of Chancery further developed its jurisprudence regarding the validity of stockholders agreements that vest significant control rights in minority stockholders instead of a...more
A recent post discussed whether amending a shareholders agreement is subject to qualification under the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968. For the purpose of that discussion, it is important to recognize that not...more
Public companies should take note of several recent developments, including: ..Reversal of the Pegasystems trade secrets lawsuit that nevertheless preserves guidance to take care when describing litigation as “without...more
On August 1, 2024, the 2024 amendments to Delaware’s entity statutes went into effect. These include amendments to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “LLC Act”),...more
Considering starting a business with your loved ones and wondered how you can make it work without jeopardizing your personal relationships? Starting a business with family members or close friends can be deeply rewarding,...more
This edition of Private Company Report highlights critical updates and regulatory changes affecting private companies, including AI liability, sustainability reporting, pregnant worker protections, Delaware law amendments,...more
On July 17, 2024, Delaware Gov. John Carney signed into law significant amendments to the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL), which will become effective on August 1, 2024. The amendments were articulated in Delaware...more
On this episode of “Splitting Heirs,” Warren K. Racusin talks with Lowenstein partner Nick San Filippo IV, Chair of the firm’s Business Divorce practice, and Jeff Savlov, a partner in the family business and wealth consulting...more
Paraco Gas Corporation purchased an insurance policy for Directors, Officers and Private Company Liability (“D&O”) from Ironshore Indemnity, Inc. that covered certain acts of Paraco’s officers and directors. Paraco...more
On July 17, 2024, Governor John Carney signed into law several amendments to the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) that are intended to address market uncertainty created by recent Chancery Court decisions. Effective...more
Two of the tools investors can use to minimize the risks they take and preserve their holding percentage in a company are the anti-dilution protection and pre-emptive rights. These very important rights are customarily...more
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published a policy statement (PS24/6) on 11 July 2024 setting out the final policy position and UK listing rules (final rules) for a new, simplified and more competitive UK listing...more
Buy-sell agreements come in all shapes and sizes. Some are straightforward. Others are outrageously complex, especially purchase price formulas. Some have triggers for death. Others disability. Retirement. Expulsion....more
The National Venture Capital Association (“NVCA”) has recently (but without any fanfare) released substantively important revisions to its model legal documents, specifically, the Investor Rights Agreement, the Stock Purchase...more
A recent decision by the Delaware Court of Chancery, W. Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Moelis & Co. (“Moelis”), held corporate shareholder agreements are invalid if they impose certain restrictions on the Company’s...more
In the heart of every family-owned enterprise lies a story of hard work, dedication, and a vision for the future. These businesses not only represent a significant portion of the economy but also embody the legacy of...more
There are generally two ways you can control a corporation. One is by owning a majority of the stock, in which case you control the board of directors. The other is to secure control contractually, through agreements and...more
On March 28, 2024, the Council of the Corporation Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) approved proposed amendments to the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL) in order to align the DGCL’s provisions...more
In the recent decision West Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Moelis & Company, Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster of the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled that certain provisions of a stockholder agreement contravened...more
On February 23, 2024, the Court issued an opinion3 invalidating certain provisions of a stockholder agreement, which, in part, contractually constrain the Board’s discretion to exercise control over the business and affairs...more
The ruling calls into question the enforceability of common provisions contained in private and public company stockholder agreements. The Court invalidated certain governance rights in stockholder agreements because they...more
This enduring cornerstone of Delaware corporate law is rooted in Section 141(a) of the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”): “The business and affairs of every corporation […] shall be managed by or under the direction of...more
“Under any standard of value, the true economic value of a business enterprise will equal the company’s accounting book value only by coincidence . . .” says the late business valuation expert and author Shannon Pratt. So...more
If a shareholders agreement sets forth a fixed and determinable price that satisfies the requirements of Code Section 2703(b) and cases interpreting that term, then that price will be respected for federal estate tax...more
On February 23, 2024, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued a decision in a class action lawsuit (West Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension v. Moelis & Co.) that concluded most of the control provisions in a stockholder agreement...more