An extensive body of law has evolved regarding special committees, and Richards Layton has been at the forefront of this area of law from the start. Our lawyers are skilled in addressing the legal, strategic and practical issues that frequently arise in special committee matters, including the formation of committees, negotiation strategies, drafting of transaction documents, drafting of reports, and documenting the overall process. We work to mitigate the risks that special committees face and to ensure that committee members satisfy standards of director conduct. At the same time, we understand the practical considerations of collaborating, where appropriate, with company counsel and the committee’s financial advisors to successfully address all facets of complex matters. By understanding our clients’ goals and concerns, we help them achieve successful business results.
Transactional Committees
We are well versed in the fiduciary duties of directors and members of special committees, the role and involvement of special committees in connection with potential transactions and conflict of interest situations. Our numerous transactional committee representations include matters involving mergers, business combinations, acquisitions of assets, potential sale transactions, and recapitalization transactions. We advise special committees of directors on the complex Delaware corporate law issues and options presented by management buy-out and going-private transactions.
Investigative Committees
Richards Layton has frequently acted as counsel to special committees formed to investigate matters raised in stockholder demands and to recommend appropriate action to the board of directors. For example, we have represented committees of the boards of directors of major corporations formed to investigate those corporations’ historical stock option granting practices and to make recommendations regarding appropriate remedial measures.
Special Litigation Committees
Our firm has substantial experience representing special litigation committees formed to address matters involving stockholder derivative claims. Indeed, in 1981 we represented the special litigation committee in the seminal case of Zapata Corp. v. Maldonado, the first case to recognize the availability of the special litigation committee procedure under Delaware law. Since Zapata, we have acted extensively as counsel to special litigation committees, including those chartered to deal with derivative litigation involving corporations.
We Wrote the Book on Special Committee Practice
Two of our directors wrote Special Committees: Law and Practice, second edition published in 2014. This comprehensive book gives practitioners a thorough working knowledge of special committee law, how to best utilize special committees, and the role of special committee members. Special Committees: Law and Practice is an authoritative reference on this important area of law—and a testament to the depth of knowledge and practical experience that our firm brings to advising special committees.
The Delaware Court of Chancery Enjoins “Extreme, Unprecedented” Stockholder Rights Plan
Insights | March 2021
Elimination of Statutory Barriers May Lead to New Wave of Public Benefit Corporations
Delaware Business Court Insider | February 24, 2021
On August 1, 2013, a new subchapter of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) was added to enable Delaware for-profit corporations to be incorporated as or to become a Delaware public benefit corporation, or “PBC.” Rather than being operated solely to maximize value for stockholders, like traditional corporations, PBCs are required…
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business – 2020 Edition
2020
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business presents an introduction to Delaware and an overview of the laws and programs relating to doing business in the State. Our economy is diverse, and our legal framework is intentionally crafted to foster robust business activity. Our widely copied business laws lead the nation in clarity and predictability. Government…
Business Law Today | January 6, 2021
Recent events have spurred a social justice movement that has called for companies to commit to inclusion and diversity, specifically in the composition of their boards of directors.* In light of the foregoing, on December 1, 2020, Nasdaq filed a proposal with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that, if approved by the SEC, would condition…
Delaware Supreme Court on Costs in an Appraisal Proceeding
Insights | December 2020
In a recent decision, the Delaware Supreme Court held that an appraisal proceeding did not involve a violation of any law or rule and therefore did not constitute a “Securities Claim” giving rise to coverage for losses under the terms of a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. It provided guidance regarding how the Delaware courts will…
Recent Developments Regarding ‘Wolf Pack’ Provisions in Rights Plans
Delaware Business Court Insider | November 11, 2020
A traditional stockholder rights plan remains one of the most effective tools a board of directors may use to protect the corporation’s stockholders from the threat of a hostile or abusive takeover. Rights plans often include specific provisions designed to address unique threats or issues facing the corporation. One such provision is an “acting in concert”—or…
Court of Chancery Permits $4.3 Billion Interim Distribution in Altaba Dissolution
Delaware Business Court Insider | November 4, 2020
In In re Altaba, the Delaware Court of Chancery, ruling at a preliminary stage of the dissolution process, authorized Altaba Inc. to make an interim liquidating distribution of up to $4.3 billion to its stockholders. Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster’s opinion is noteworthy because it is one of the few opinions to authorize an interim distribution…
Special Committees: Law and Practice (2nd edition)
2014
Written by knowledgeable practitioners in corporate law and special committee practice, this comprehensive book provides in-depth explanations on the uses, benefits and disadvantages of special committees.
32nd Annual Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate and Securities Law Institute
May 3, 2012
Director Gregory P. Williams will speak at this CLE-accredited institute in Chicago.
Mergers & Acquisitions 2011: What You Need to Know Now
September 23, 2011
C. Stephen Bigler will speak at this PLI seminar in Chicago focused on exploring the fascinating state of M&A and the trends to be aware of in the year ahead.
Mergers & Acquisitions 2011: ÿWhat You Need to Know Now
September 8, 2011
C. Stephen Bigler will speak at this PLI seminar in New York focused on exploring the fascinating state of M&A and the trends to be aware of in the year ahead.
Trenwick America Litigation Trust v. Ernst & Young LLP
August 11, 2008
Delaware Court Of Chancery Holds That No Cause Of Action For “Deepening Insolvency” Exists Under Delaware Law
OHC Liquidation Trust v. Credit Suisse First Boston, et al.
June 12, 2008
Equitable defense results in dismissal of claims against financial advisor.