Newsletters
Methods for Protecting Shareholders
Owners of shares of a corporation have the right to vote for directors and to share proportionally in any distribution of corporate profits or, in the case of dissolution, in the distribution of corporate assets. There are several ways to protect these interests of shareholders. Such protection is especially important to shareholders of closely held corporations who may not be able to or do not wish to find a market for their shares.
Closed-End Funds
The three basic types of investment companies regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are closed-end funds, mutual funds, and unit investment trusts. Closed-end funds must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such funds are regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are subject to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Regulations have been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission to govern the operation of closed-end funds.
Disclosure of a Corporate Opportunity
Generally, a corporate director breaches the duty of loyalty if she seizes a business opportunity for herself that the corporation was financially capable of undertaking or in which the corporation had a reasonable interest or expectancy. Additionally, the director's loyalty is called into question if she takes personal advantage of a business opportunity that was in line with the corporation's business.
Anti-Competitive Discrimination By Sellers Under the Clayton Act
The federal Clayton Act contains prohibitions against various specific anti-competitive practices and is designed to supplement the broad prohibitions of the Sherman Act against anti-competitive agreements and monopolization. Section 2 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.S. § 13, as amended by the Robinson-Patman Act, specifically prohibits discrimination in the price of commodities or in commissions, allowances, services, or facilities if such discrimination is anti-competitive.
Consumer Law
(Proper Disposal of Consumer Information)
