Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Corporations (4)
- Liability (4)
- Negligence (3)
- Subsidiaries (3)
- Vested rights (3)
-
- Book reviews (2)
- Broker (2)
- Carrier (2)
- Corporate governance (2)
- Corporate structure (2)
- Corporation (2)
- Executive compensation (2)
- Fraud (2)
- Parent corporations (2)
- Partnership (2)
- Personal liability (2)
- Shareholders (2)
- Accrued dividend (1)
- Advantages (1)
- Adverse interest (1)
- Agency (1)
- Agency costs (1)
- Agricultural products (1)
- Alight (1)
- Articles of association (1)
- Asset (1)
- Assignability (1)
- Bank stock (1)
- Bank v. Randell (1)
- Basic asspumtion (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 35
Full-Text Articles in Contracts
Legal Entities As Transferable Bundles Of Contracts, Kenneth Ayotte, Henry Hansmann
Legal Entities As Transferable Bundles Of Contracts, Kenneth Ayotte, Henry Hansmann
Michigan Law Review
The large, modern business corporation is frequently organized as a complex cluster of hundreds of corporate subsidiaries under the common control of a single corporate parent. Our Article provides new theory and supportive evidence to help explain this structure. We focus, in particular on the advantages of subsidiary entities in providing the option to transfer some or all of the firm's contractual rights and obligations in the future. The theory not only sheds light on corporate subsidiaries but also illuminates a basic function of all types of legal entities, from partnerships to nonprofit corporations. We show that when, as is …
The Uncorporation And The Unraveling Of 'Nexus Of Contracts' Theory, Grant M. Hayden, Matthew T. Bodie
The Uncorporation And The Unraveling Of 'Nexus Of Contracts' Theory, Grant M. Hayden, Matthew T. Bodie
Michigan Law Review
A corporation is not a contract. It is a state-created entity. It has legal personhood with the right to form contracts, suffer liability for torts, and (as the Supreme Court recently decided) make campaign contributions. However, many corporate law scholars have remained wedded to the conception-metaphor, model, paradigm, what have you-of the corporation as a contract or "nexus" of contracts. The nexus of contracts theory is meant to point up the voluntary, market-oriented nature of the firm and to dismiss the notion that the corporation owes anything to the state. It is also used as a justification for preserving the …
Failure Of A "Basic Assumption": The Emerging Standard For Excuse Under Mae Provisions, Nathan Somogie
Failure Of A "Basic Assumption": The Emerging Standard For Excuse Under Mae Provisions, Nathan Somogie
Michigan Law Review
The onset of the current economic crisis has led many strategic and financial acquirers to reconsider the desirability of transactions to which they had previously agreed. Because many of these agreements contain substantial termination fees, buyers have increasingly sought to be excused from their contractual obligations by invoking Material Adverse Effect ("MAE") provisions. Reliance on MAE clauses as a basis for termination has historically been risky due to a lack of clarity in the case law regarding the standard for excuse under such provisions. A recent decision by the Delaware Chancery Court, Hexion v. Huntsman, the third in a …
Has Corporate Law Failed? Addressing Proposals For Reform, Antony Page
Has Corporate Law Failed? Addressing Proposals For Reform, Antony Page
Michigan Law Review
Part I of this Review discusses the modem "nexus of contracts" approach to corporations and highlights how Greenfield's views differ. Part II examines corporate goals and purposes, suggesting that Greenfield overstates the impact of the shareholder-primacy norm and does not offer a preferable alternative. Part III critiques the means to the ends--Greenfield's proposals for changing the mechanics of corporate governance. Although several of his proposals are intriguing, they seem unlikely to achieve their pro-social aims. This Review remains skeptical, in part because-even given its problems-the U.S. "director-centric governance structure has created the most successful economy the world has ever seen." …
Is U.S. Ceo Compensation Inefficient Pay Without Performance?, John E. Core, Wayne R. Guay, Randall S. Thompson
Is U.S. Ceo Compensation Inefficient Pay Without Performance?, John E. Core, Wayne R. Guay, Randall S. Thompson
Michigan Law Review
In Pay Without Performance, Professors Lucian Bebchuk and Jesse Fried develop and summarize the leading critiques of current executive compensation practices in the United States. This book, and their highly influential earlier article, Managerial Power and Rent Extraction in the Design of Executive Compensation, with David Walker offer a negative, if mainstream, assessment of the state of U.S. executive compensation: U.S. executive compensation practices are failing in a widespread manner, and much systemic reform is needed. The purpose of our Review is to summarize the book and to offer some counterarguments to try to balance what is becoming …
Stockholder Votes Motivated By Adverse Interest: The Attack And The Defense, Earl Sneed
Stockholder Votes Motivated By Adverse Interest: The Attack And The Defense, Earl Sneed
Michigan Law Review
It is the purpose of this article to study stockholder votes motivated by adverse interest from the standpoint of the attack and the defense. First, the remedies available to the complaining minority are examined. Then follows a study of the indicia of adverse interest in specific shareholder actions. Knowledge of the nature and import of these indicia should enable the careful lawyer to avoid or defeat the charge that unconscionable adverse interest vitiated the result of a stockholder vote.
Corporations - Officers And Directors - Indemnification Of Expenses Incurred In Defense Of Contract Of Employment, John P. Williams
Corporations - Officers And Directors - Indemnification Of Expenses Incurred In Defense Of Contract Of Employment, John P. Williams
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff, Sorenson, contracted with defendant, Overland Corporation, to become one of its directors, and the contract was approved by Overland's stockholders. After he began to serve as a director, Sorenson was made a party defendant to a stockholder's derivative suit attacking the propriety of his contract of employment with Overland. The derivative suit terminated in favor of Sorenson and he then brought an action for reimbursement of the counsel fees incurred by him in defending the stockholder's action. Plaintiff's action was under a corporate by-law providing that the corporation shall indemnify directors and officers against expenses incurred by them in …
Corporations - Promotion - Discharge Of Promoter's Liability As Bidder At A Bankruptcy Sale, John Morrow
Corporations - Promotion - Discharge Of Promoter's Liability As Bidder At A Bankruptcy Sale, John Morrow
Michigan Law Review
On October 1, defendant made the high bid at a bankruptcy sale of hotel properties as "Mr. Ash, trustee." Later that same day a certificate of incorporation was executed for a corporation with Ash as treasurer. On October 4 the proper corporate papers were filed with the secretary of state. On October 4 the receivers receipted for the earnest money deposit, the instrument acknowledging, as interpreted by the court, that the receivers would look to the corporation to complete the contract and would not look to Mr. Ash personally. On October 14, the referee confirmed the sale to "Mr. Ash, …
Corporations - Stockholders - Effect Of State Constitutional Provisions On Liabilty To Creditors For Unpaid Subscriptions, Douglas Peck S.Ed.
Corporations - Stockholders - Effect Of State Constitutional Provisions On Liabilty To Creditors For Unpaid Subscriptions, Douglas Peck S.Ed.
Michigan Law Review
Basset and Company, an Oklahoma corporation, issued stock to defendant for which defendant never paid. The sum due was carried on the corporate books as "subscriptions receivable." The corporation became bankrupt and the trustee brought suit in the federal district court to recover the amount due on the subscriptions. Held, judgment for the defendant. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, where stock is issued for consideration which is less than par value, the issue is void. The stock certificate cannot serve as a consideration to support the would-be stockholder's promise to pay for the stock, and no liability attaches to the …
Partnerships - Valuation Of Assets On Death Of A Partner, John F. Dodge, Jr. S.Ed.
Partnerships - Valuation Of Assets On Death Of A Partner, John F. Dodge, Jr. S.Ed.
Michigan Law Review
There are three phases to the problem of arriving at a final dollar and cents valuation of a deceased partner's share in a partnership. In their proper chronological order they are: a determination of what the partnership assets are, a valuation of those assets once determined, and a division of the remainder (after liabilities have been subtracted) into the proper proportions according to the partnership agreement. Only the second phase is within the scope of this comment, the purpose of which is to examine various asset valuation methods both with respect to, and in the absence of, a valuation established …
Corporations - Securities Regulation - Investment Contracts Under Securities Act Of 1933, James W. Beatty S.Ed.
Corporations - Securities Regulation - Investment Contracts Under Securities Act Of 1933, James W. Beatty S.Ed.
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiffs purchased tracts of twenty acres, part of a larger tract owned by the defendant, for the purpose of developing the tracts into small citrus groves. Plaintiffs also executed with defendant a care and management contract, whereby plaintiff was to give directions as to the marketing of the crops on the tract; the defendant management company was to follow these directions but would still supervise harvesting and marketing and would receive its compensation therefor. Plaintiff brought an action under the Securities Act of 1933 to impose civil liability for fraudulent misrepresentations and material omissions concerning the value of the land. …
Corporations-Power Of Legislature To Revive Corporate Charter, John S. Slavens S.Ed
Corporations-Power Of Legislature To Revive Corporate Charter, John S. Slavens S.Ed
Michigan Law Review
Defendant, a New York corporation, was engaged in operating steamboats for sightseeing purposes below Niagara Falls. Defendant was incorporated in 1892 for a term of fifty years, the maximum then permitted by statute. Through inadvertence the charter was not renewed in 1942. The corporation continued in its regular course of business, and in 1947 when the oversight was discovered, the board of directors, with the approval of three-fourths of the shareholders, immediately revived the corporation under a statutory provision enacted in 1944. Plaintiffs, shareholders of the corporation, claimed that application of the provision was an unconstitutional deprivation of their rights …
Corporations-Officers And Directors-Effect Of Statutes On Contracts Between Corporations With Common Directors, William K. Davenport S.Ed.
Corporations-Officers And Directors-Effect Of Statutes On Contracts Between Corporations With Common Directors, William K. Davenport S.Ed.
Michigan Law Review
Legislative policy-making on the subject of contracts between corporations having interlocking directorates has required a balancing of the interest of corporate enterprise in the flexibility of business relations against the interest of minority shareholders in protection against self-dealing by corporate managers.
Business Associations-Partnership-Claims Against Partner Who Asserts Infancy, Harold S. Lentz S. Ed.
Business Associations-Partnership-Claims Against Partner Who Asserts Infancy, Harold S. Lentz S. Ed.
Michigan Law Review
An adult partner sought dissolution of the partnership, contribution of monies according to the contract, determination of liabilities for debts, ascertainment of respective interests, and an accounting from the infant partner. The infant partner asserted his infancy, disavowed the contract, and moved to dismiss the action. Held, motion granted except as to plaintiffs demand for a dissolution and accounting. Sacco v. Schallus, 11 N.J. Super. 197, 78 A. (2d) 143 (1950).
Corporations-Change In The Basis Of Sharing Profits As An Impairment Of The Obligation Of Contracts, Robert E. Walsh S.Ed.
Corporations-Change In The Basis Of Sharing Profits As An Impairment Of The Obligation Of Contracts, Robert E. Walsh S.Ed.
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff, a stockholder in defendant corporation, sought to enjoin distribution of dividends on a patronage basis. Defendant corporation was organized under the laws of Nebraska for the purpose of buying and selling grain, hay, and other agricultural products with a general reservation in the charter of the right to change, alter, and amend. The articles of incorporation were amended so as to convert the corporation into a co-operative organization distributing profits on the basis of the amount of business done with the corporation. Held, a general reservation of power to amend the articles did not confer on the corporation …
Corporations - Close Corporations - Methods Of Retaining Ownership Of Stock In Surviving Stockholders When One Stockholder Dies, Reid J. Hatfield
Corporations - Close Corporations - Methods Of Retaining Ownership Of Stock In Surviving Stockholders When One Stockholder Dies, Reid J. Hatfield
Michigan Law Review
The close corporation is generally formed by a small group who take an active part in the business and whose participation is essential to the successful operation of the venture. Thus, a partnership may decide that the corporate form will more effectively protect the interests of its members, or a small number of people interested in the same enterprise may incorporate in order to limit their individual liability in the common endeavor. Whatever the reason for the use of the corporate entity, the active participation of each stockholder is probably of vital importance to the financial welfare of all. To …
Corporations - Preincorporation Contracts Of Promoters And Incorporators - Effect Of Statute On Personal Liability Of Incorporators, Roy L. Rogers
Corporations - Preincorporation Contracts Of Promoters And Incorporators - Effect Of Statute On Personal Liability Of Incorporators, Roy L. Rogers
Michigan Law Review
It seems difficult to draw such a conclusion directly from the terms of the statute. Indeed, the section is not very definite as to the liability either of the incorporators or of the corporation on contracts of the designated class. However, in Hart Potato Growers' Association v. Grenier, it was intimated that this section made the corporation liable upon the contracts of the incorporators immediately upon incorporation. Toward this conclusion certain provisions of the section are rather persuasive. The clause providing that all property held by the incorporators for the benefit of the corporation shall be deemed to be …
Associations - Massachusetts Trusts - Personal Liability Of Trustees On Contracts, Michigan Law Review
Associations - Massachusetts Trusts - Personal Liability Of Trustees On Contracts, Michigan Law Review
Michigan Law Review
The trustees of a business trust, by their agent, accepted seven trade acceptances in which there was no stipulation against the personal liability of the trustees. The trust instrument under which the business was operating provided that the trustees were to be under no "personal obligation or liability of any kind," and that all having transactions with the trustees are put on notice that no trustee or subscriber is personally liable, and further, that in all contracts made by the trustees, "specific mention shall be made therein of this trust to the end that any and all parties must look …
Corporations - Validity Of Contract Executed During Suspension Of Charter For Failure To File Proper Annual Report - Effect Of Innocent Mistake, Ralph Winkler
Michigan Law Review
A Virginia statute, providing that foreign corporations desiring to carry on intrastate business there must pay an entrance fee graduated according to authorized capital stock, imposed on plaintiff a fee of $5,000. Only two-thirds of plaintiff's authorized stock was issued. A considerable amount of its assets were used in interstate commerce, though the sum invested in Virginia was negligible. Plaintiff contended that such an entrance fee burdened interstate commerce because measured by property used in interstate commerce, that it denied due process because measured by property without the state, and that it denied equal protection of the laws becaused measured …
Corporations - Corporate Seal - When Affixing Seal Makes The Instrument A Specialty, Edward D. Ransom
Corporations - Corporate Seal - When Affixing Seal Makes The Instrument A Specialty, Edward D. Ransom
Michigan Law Review
The plaintiff contracted to buy gasoline from a subsidiary of the defendant. The lengthy contract was signed at the end by the proper officers and in juxtaposition to the signatures were the corporate seals of both parties. The contract contained a recital of sealing. On a separate page, but attached to the contract, was a guaranty by the defendant of the subsidiary's performance. This also was sealed with the corporate seals of both parties adjacent to the signatures of the officers. No mention of sealing was contained in the guaranty. On default by the subsidiary, the plaintiff sued on the …
Joint Adventure - Relationship Distinguished From That Of Employer-Employee, Wayne E. Babler
Joint Adventure - Relationship Distinguished From That Of Employer-Employee, Wayne E. Babler
Michigan Law Review
The taxpayer had an arrangement whereby he planned to furnish the Russian Government with shrapnel shells by farming out the various stages of manufacture to several different companies. A Canadian corporation, also having a contract for furnishing shrapnel, made arrangements with the taxpayer whereby the latter cancelled his contract and went in with the Canadian corporation. Under this arrangement the taxpayer was to furnish his manufacturing arrangement, plans, tools, gauges, drawings, etc., and to get fifteen per cent of the profits on the present contract and five per cent of the profits on future contracts of a similar nature. An …
Corporations - Alteration Of Charter Under Reserved Power - Change In Remedy To Enforce Stockholders' Liability, Michigan Law Review
Corporations - Alteration Of Charter Under Reserved Power - Change In Remedy To Enforce Stockholders' Liability, Michigan Law Review
Michigan Law Review
The constitution of Maryland of I 867 provided that owners of bank stock should be liable for debts of the corporation to an extent equal to the value of the stock owned by them. The bank in which the defendants owned stock was organized under legislation of 1870 containing the provision, "this act and every part of it may be altered from time to time, or repealed by the legislature." The Maryland court held that, while the constitution provided no remedy, the right was conferred on each creditor in his individual capacity to be enforced by separate suits against those …
Corporations - Charter Amendments - Delaware Dilemma, Michigan Law Review
Corporations - Charter Amendments - Delaware Dilemma, Michigan Law Review
Michigan Law Review
It may be conceded that a corporate charter is a contract having a threefold aspect as to the combinations of parties thereto, and that this contract, as between the corporation and the state, may be changed by the state without conflict with the Federal Constitution, providing the state has reserved a power to change. It still is an ever present problem, however, as to how far the state may affect the contracts of stockholders, either inter se or with the corporation. This problem is particularly a live one in Delaware, both because of the recent Keller case and the large …
Corporations - Amendment Of Charter - Right To Redemption Of Preferred Stock., Michigan Law Review
Corporations - Amendment Of Charter - Right To Redemption Of Preferred Stock., Michigan Law Review
Michigan Law Review
Plaintiff owned 100 shares of preferred stock of defendant corporation, the certificates for which, and the articles of incorporation, provided for redemption on a· given date. Subsequent to plaintiff's becoming a stockholder but prior to the redemption date of his stock, a statute was passed allowing the majority of voting shareholders of a corporation to amend its articles "without limitation." Pursuant thereto the date for redemption of plaintiff's stock was postponed twenty-five years. Under the amended articles defendant refused plaintiff's tender of the stock and demand of payment on the original redemption date. In an action against the corporation, held …
Corporations-Creditors' Right To Avoid Contract Between Holding And Subsidiary Corporations
Corporations-Creditors' Right To Avoid Contract Between Holding And Subsidiary Corporations
Michigan Law Review
In an ancillary proceeding, the receiver of a subsidiary corporation sought inter alia to recover from the parent corporation, which had owned for about thirteen years all of the stock of the subsidiary except shares necessary to qualify directors, fees paid under contracts during that period for management and engineering services. Held, the court will read just the consideration paid for these services and permit recovery against the parent corporation for the excess. Grand Rapids Trust Co. v. United Light and Power Co., (D. C. W. D. Mich. 1931) 7 F. Supp. 511.
Corporations-Trust Indenture-Notice To Security Holders Of Contents Of Indenture
Corporations-Trust Indenture-Notice To Security Holders Of Contents Of Indenture
Michigan Law Review
Ever since corporate bonds made their appearance more than a century ago, there has been a steady increase in difficult problems relating thereto. Not the least interesting of these problems pertains to the matter of notice to holders of the bonds and other securities of the contents of the indenture under which they are generally issued. The question becomes acute when one of these bondholders starts suit in law or in equity, and is met by the proposition that his right to so sue is limited by the trust indenture. There are two aspects to the matter, and it is …
Corporations - Identity As Basis For Enforcing Contract Of Predecessor Against Successor - Fraud
Corporations - Identity As Basis For Enforcing Contract Of Predecessor Against Successor - Fraud
Michigan Law Review
The stockholders and officers of the Old South Engraving Company, wishing to escape a contract whereby that corporation was bound to hire only union labor, organized the Old South Photoengraving Corporation which purchased the business of the Engraving Company, giving therefor 9,000 of the issue of 12,000 no-par shares and issuing the rest to the stockholders of the Engraving Company in proportion to their holdings therein. It was announced that the Engraving Company would cease operating Saturday, June 4, and employees were given due notice. On Monday, June 6, the new company began operating at the same location with non-union …
Corporations - Rescission Of Contract Procured Through Fraud
Corporations - Rescission Of Contract Procured Through Fraud
Michigan Law Review
P purchased shares of stock in S Company through the fraud and misrepresentation of his agents in collusion with the agents of the S Company. Upon discovery of the fraud, P tendered back a number of shares equal to the number received by himself and his innocent associates. In the meantime, P had resold part of the shares at a higher price. Held, P must also tender the profit resulting from the resale and subsequent purchase of equivalent shares in a fallen market, together with any dividends paid on stock and interest from date of payment. Marr v. Tumulty …
Review: A Textbook On Law And Business, J. Wayne Ley
Review: A Textbook On Law And Business, J. Wayne Ley
Michigan Law Review
A Book Review on A TEXTBOOK ON LAW AND BUSINESS By William H. Spencer
Corporations-Power To Delegate Management For Long Period
Corporations-Power To Delegate Management For Long Period
Michigan Law Review
The corporate parties contracted that in consideration of certain commissions to be paid to the plaintiff, the defendant insurance company should delegate to the plaintiff corporation complete and exclusive control and management of its entire business for a period of twenty years. In an action to recover commissions, held, that the contract was void on the ground of public policy, and that there could be no recovery. Sherman & Ellis, Inc., v. Indiana Mutual Casualty Company (C. C. A. 7th Cir.) 41 F.(2d) 588.