Palkon v. Maffei
Two minority shareholders challenged the conversion of two Delaware corporations into Nevada corporations with the intent to reduce potential liability for directors and officers, with the controlling shareholder casting the deciding vote. The business rule did not apply since the controller received a nonratable benefit.
Delaware Chancery Court Determines That Reducing Potential Personal Liability Exposure Through a Change in Corporate Domicile Constituted a Nonratable Benefit
Two minority shareholders challenged the conversion of two Delaware corporations into Nevada corporations with the intent to reduce potential liability for directors and officers, with the controlling shareholder casting the deciding vote. The business rule did not apply since the controller received a nonratable benefit.
BV News and Trends November 2023
A monthly roundup of key developments of interest to business valuation experts.
ISBA appraisal review workshop November 9-10
The International Society of Business Appraisers (ISBA) is offering a two-day workshop for its Business Certified Appraiser in Review (BCA-R) credential.
ISBA appraisal review workshop November 9-10
The International Society of Business Appraisers (ISBA) is offering a two-day workshop for its Business Certified Appraiser in Review (BCA-R) credential.
In re Tesla Motors Stockholder Litig.
At issue was a 2016 acquisition of Solar City Corp. by Tesla. Some Tesla shareholders claimed that Musk caused Tesla to overpay for Solar through his alleged domination and control of Tesla’s board. The primary focus of the shareholders was that Solar was insolvent at the time of the acquisition. The court applied the “entire fairness” standard. The Court of Chancery found the acquisition to be “entirely fair.” The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Chancery decision.
Delaware Supreme Court Upholds ‘Entire Fairness’ of a Tesla Acquisition
At issue was a 2016 acquisition of Solar City Corp. by Tesla. Some Tesla shareholders claimed that Musk caused Tesla to overpay for Solar through his alleged domination and control of Tesla’s board. The primary focus of the shareholders was that Solar was insolvent at the time of the acquisition. The court applied the “entire fairness” standard. The Court of Chancery found the acquisition to be “entirely fair.” The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Chancery decision.
In re Multiplan Corp. Stockholders Litig.
This case dealt with a motion to dismiss the claims of the plaintiffs (by the defendants) in a stockholder suit against a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The claims were primarily that the plaintiffs’ claims were derivative, which failed to plead demand futility and that the business judgment rule applied. Many of the parties’ arguments centered around unique characteristics of a SPAC. In concluding that the entire fairness standard of review applied, the Delaware Chancery Court noted that “the fact that a reasonably conceivable impairment of public stockholders’ redemption rights—in the form of materially misleading disclosures—has been pleaded in this case.” The case was to go forward against all but two defendants.
Delaware Chancery Court Allows Breach of Fiduciary Suit to Move Forward on a SPAC
This case dealt with a motion to dismiss the claims of the plaintiffs (by the defendants) in a stockholder suit against a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The claims were primarily that the plaintiffs’ claims were derivative, which failed to plead demand futility and that the business judgment rule applied. Many of the parties’ arguments centered around unique characteristics of a SPAC. In concluding that the entire fairness standard of review applied, the Delaware Chancery Court noted that “the fact that a reasonably conceivable impairment of public stockholders’ redemption rights—in the form of materially misleading disclosures—has been pleaded in this case.” The case was to go forward against all but two defendants.
Letter to the Editor: Improving Our Work Product (and Professional Image) … One Review at a Time
A letter to the editor from Clint Cronkite (Cronkite & Kissell LLC). Business valuation professionals are expected to provide unbiased professional analyses, opinions, and conclusions but also be supportive of our client’s goals—a schism that has led to skepticism about the neutrality and quality of our work product.
Shareholder Approval ‘Cleanses’ Potential Undervaluation
Per business judgment rule, court dismisses shareholder complaint that board members breached fiduciary duties by rushing to sell entire company where financial advisor had stated separate sales of company’s various business units would maximize value.
In re OM Group, Inc. Stockholders Litig.
Per business judgment rule, court dismisses shareholder complaint that board members breached fiduciary duties by rushing to sell entire company where financial advisor had stated separate sales of company’s various business units would maximize value.
Shareholder Approval ‘Cleanses’ Potential Undervaluation
Per business judgment rule, court dismisses shareholder complaint that board members breached fiduciary duties by rushing to sell entire company where financial advisor had stated separate sales of company’s various business units would maximize value.
High Court Dissent Rebukes Chancery’s Analysis in Option Valuation Case
In medical company valuation case, high court affirms award to option holders based on deference owed to trial court’s findings of historical fact; dissent says Chancery’s dismissal ...
Cdx Holdings, Inc. v. Fox (Fox II)
In medical company valuation case, high court affirms award to option holders based on deference owed to trial court’s findings of historical fact; dissent says Chancery’s dismissal of board members’ valuation testimony evinces Chancery’s hindsight bias.
High Court Dissent Rebukes Chancery’s Analysis in Option Valuation Case
In medical company valuation case, high court affirms award to option holders based on deference owed to trial court’s findings of historical fact; dissent says Chancery’s dismissal ...
Corwin v. KKR Fin. Holdings LLC
Regarding breach of fiduciary duty claims, Delaware Supreme Court says business judgment rule (lower standard of review) applies where disinterested stockholder majority approves merger with third party and vote was uncoerced and fully informed.
Corning v. Corning
The appellant in this case, the wife, appealed the trial court order for equitable distribution and alimony. The crux of the issues revolved around the values and date of value of two businesses owned by the parties and awarded to the husband in the distribution order. The appellate court affirmed the lower court’s orders.
North Carolina Appellate Court Affirms Trial Court Appeal of Valuation of Businesses Divorce
The appellant in this case, the wife, appealed the trial court order for equitable distribution and alimony. The crux of the issues revolved around the values and date of value of two businesses owned by the parties and awarded to the husband in the distribution order. The appellate court affirmed the lower court’s orders.
General Electric Co. v. Joiner
Supreme Court holds that appeals court must review trial court’s exclusion of expert testimony pursuant to Daubert under abuse of discretion standard and district court in case did not err in finding testimony irrelevant and unreliable.