By: Marc Casarino and Lori Smith

In a recent case, the Delaware Court of Chancery made clear the value of implementing a proper special committee to address the influence of a self-interested controlling party on a transaction as well as the requirements for satisfying demand futility for purposes of derivative actions.

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By: Ryan Udell, Michael Mentzel and Ian Doherty

When negotiating investments in target companies, a private equity firm will almost assuredly attempt to negotiate the best possible deal for itself and its investors. Any professional that has been a part of such negotiations and transactions understands that in addition to the valuation of the target company and the size of the investment, private equity firms can negotiate director seats, board observer rights, dividends, warrant protection, management services agreements, the right to buy additional securities at a fixed price in the future, and redemption rights. A recent opinion by the Delaware Chancery Court, however, may force some private equity firms to give pause before using their clout over company management to “cash-in” on these negotiated terms. (more…)

By: Marc Casarino and Lori Smith

Provisions designating the law governing contractual disputes are commonplace. However, designation of the governing law does not necessarily establish the jurisdiction within which the dispute must be decided. Parties who do not appreciate this distinction may be surprised that they cannot litigate their dispute in the jurisdiction they selected for the governing law. (more…)