Fried Frank explains BMC Software and the Court’s Ongoing Incremental Path to Increased Reliance on the Merger Price in Appraisal Cases

The Delaware Court of Chancery has been on a slow but clear path toward increased reliance on the merger price in determining fair value in appraisal cases. While the court’s reliance on the merger price as the best indicator of …

Fried Frank discusses Expansion of Aiding and Abetting Liability for “Gatekeepers” — Stewart v. Wilmington Trust

In Stewart v. Wilmington Trust (March 26, 2015), the Delaware Chancery Court characterized the outside auditor and the administrative management company for certain captive insurance companies as having a “gatekeeping role” for the companies. On that basis, the court …

Fried Frank discusses Proposed Appraisal Statute Amendments, Which Would Permit Companies to Reduce Their Interest Cost

Proposed amendments to the Delaware appraisal statute announced recently are expected to be adopted by the Delaware Legislature. The stated purpose of the amendments is to reduce the recent rise in the volume of appraisal petitions. If adopted, the amendments …

Fried Frank discusses Delaware Corporations’ Expansive Powers with Respect to Bylaws

Recent Delaware decisions have reinforced the expansive power and authority of a board to adopt and enforce corporate bylaws. Advance notice bylaws have become commonplace; exclusive forum bylaws are becoming more prevalent; and adoption of fee shifting bylaws generally awaits …

Fried Frank discusses In re Zhongpin

In In re Zhongpin Inc. Stockholders Litigation (Nov. 26, 2014), the Delaware Chancery Court found that the plaintiffs had pled sufficient facts to raise an inference that Xianfu Zhu, who was the company’s founder, Chairman and CEO, was a controlling …

Fried Frank discusses Delaware Appraisal Arbitrage as a New Activist Weapon

From 2004 through 2010, the number of appraisal petitions filed in Delaware rose and fell roughly in parallel with the overall level of merger activity, with appraisal rights being asserted in about 5% of the transactions for which they were …