As this blog has consistently observed, although the well of SPAC mergers substantially dried up a few years ago, the wave of lawsuits stemming from those de-SPAC mergers has not abated. In the latest decision addressing claims for breach of
Sidley Austin Blog
The Sidley Austin Blog, published by Sidley Austin LLP, focuses on developments in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate governance, and related litigation. It covers topics such as securities litigation, corporate charter and bylaw provisions, shareholder rights, whistleblower complaints, board responsibilities, jurisdictional issues in corporate disputes, and fiduciary duties of directors. The blog analyzes recent court decisions, regulatory enforcement actions, and best practices for corporate governance and compliance. It provides insights into Delaware Court of Chancery rulings and other significant cases affecting corporate law and shareholder litigation.
Latest from Sidley Austin Blog - Page 8
Chambers 2024 Global Practice Guide for Shareholders’ Rights and Shareholder Activism
The 2024 Chambers Global Practice Guide for “Shareholders’ Rights & Shareholder Activism”, with contributions from Kai Liekefett, Derek Zaba, Ram Sachs, and Evan Grosch, is now available. The guide provides an overview of corporate governance and shareholder activism based on…
Equity Has Its Limits: Chancery Rejects Bid For An “Equitable Eraser”
It may seem obvious that “[e]quity cannot bless th[e] deliberate violation of an explicit statutory prohibition,” but in the recent Delaware Court of Chancery decision, TS Falcon I, LLC v. Golden Mountain Financial Holdings Corp., Vice Chancellor Lori Will reminded…
Watch What You Say: Disparaging Comments May Trigger Contractual Repurchase Rights Even If Shielded From A Defamation Claim
By Ian M. Ross
A recent Delaware decision has demonstrated the limits of the absolute litigation privilege, holding that it did not protect an LLC member from claims that his defamatory statements triggered contractual repurchase rights of his membership interests. Absolute litigation privilege, in…
Words Matter: Different Definitions of “Commercially Reasonable Efforts” Lead to Different Results in Drug-Development Earnout Disputes
Acquisitions of biotech companies with development-stage drug candidates often include earnout agreements. The buyer pays the seller’s stockholders with cash or stock upfront, and the seller’s stockholders are entitled to additional payments if the drug or drugs in development reach…
Eye Doctor With Blind Spot Loses LLC Manager Position
Last month, the Delaware Court of Chancery upheld an amendment of a Limited Liability Company agreement through a merger even when it had recently struck down a similar amendment in the same LLC agreement. In Campus Eye Management Holdings, LLC…
The Dog That Didn’t Bark: Court of Chancery Decision Reaffirms the Strength of the Demand Futility Standard
In July, in Vladimir Gusinsky Revocable Tr. v. Hayes, No. CV 2022‑1124‑MTZ (July 23, 2024), Vice Chancellor Zurn issued an opinion reiterating the high bar a plaintiff must overcome to excuse demand.
The post The Dog That Didn’t Bark: Court…
(Fear) the Reaper, LLC: Court of Chancery Clarifies LLC Governance Rights Upon Member Death
A recent decision from the Delaware Court of Chancery, Gurney-Goldman v. Goldman, C. A. 2023-1124-JTL (July 12, 2024), addressed a matter of first impression: What is the power of an estate’s executor to exercise an LLC member’s corporate governance rights…
In Case of First Impression, Court of Chancery Awards Expenditures Incurred in Third-Party Litigation as Breach of Contract Damages
On remand from the Delaware Supreme Court, the Court of Chancery has awarded XRI more than $6 million in litigation expenses and recoupment of fees advanced to a former LLC member who breached the governing LLC Agreement. XRI Inv. Holdings…