Corporations Flashcards
(61 cards)
What is the primary purpose of forming a corporation?
To protect its owners from personal liability and to promote investment
Who is personally liable for pre-incorporation conduct?
Promoter is always liable unless there is a novation
What is De Jure Formation?
A validly formed corporation
What are the exceptions to limited liability in a corporation?
Piercing the Corporate Veil due to fraud, undercapitalization, or alter ego
Define promoter in the context of corporate formation.
A promoter is one who works on behalf of the corporation to create and fund the entity
What must be included in the Articles of Incorporation?
Name of the corporation, local agent for service, names of incorporators, and number of authorized shares
True or False: Ultra vires acts were void at common law but are enforceable under the RMBCA.
True
What is a De Facto Corporation?
A corporation not formed despite a good faith effort to comply and acted without knowledge of defects
What is the purpose of bylaws?
Bylaws are day-to-day rules adopted by directors after filing
What does ‘piercing the corporate veil’ allow a plaintiff to do?
Recover directly from the investor or shareholder on the basis of fraud or unfairness
What types of stock must a corporation issue?
Common stock and preferred stock
What is required for the issuance of stock?
Authorization in the articles and by the board of directors
Fill in the blank: A corporation may not make a distribution if it is _______.
insolvent
What is the quorum requirement for a shareholder meeting?
A majority of votes representing the eligible outstanding shares
What rights do shareholders have regarding records?
Shareholders may inspect and copy records with five days’ notice stating a proper purpose
What is the difference between a direct and derivative action?
Direct action recovers damages for breach of duty to shareholders individually; derivative action vindicates rights of the corporation
What must a shareholder do before commencing a derivative action?
Make written demand to the board and wait 90 days unless excused
What is the standard of care for directors?
Must act as a prudent person in like circumstances
What is the Business Judgment Rule?
Good faith actions of a director or officer will not be disturbed in absence of fraud, illegality, or self-dealing
What constitutes a conflict of interest for a director?
A transaction between the corporation and a director that normally requires board approval
What is the remedy for usurping a corporate opportunity?
Damages, constructive trust, or the corporation gets the opportunity at cost
What is required for a fundamental change in a corporation?
Approval by a majority of the board and a majority of shareholders entitled to vote
What is Rule 10b-5?
A rule against fraud or deception in the sale of securities
What is the main liability of directors for unlawful distribution?
Directors are personally liable to the corporation for unlawful distribution beyond lawful amount