Understanding the valuation of the business is critical to the owners of closely held business in planning and management. Closely held business owners typically have most of their personal wealth tied up in their company, but rarely know the current value of the enterprise. Current valuation data is important for…
Enterprise goodwill is the expectation that a business has in the continued patronage by its customers, regardless of the individuals involved. Personal goodwill is the expectation of continued patronage because of an individual’s continued participation in the business. Personal goodwill is not an asset owned by a business, but it…
A New Jersey Court conducing the valuation of a business may use any technique or method generally acceptable in the financial community. The application of a minority discount is a question of law, but likely will be based on the factual determinations of the court about the culpability of the…
The controlling shareholders of a corporation owe fiduciary duties to the minority shareholders by virtue of their ability to control the affairs of the company. Even when a merger complies with statutory requirements, where it benefits the controlling shareholders and does not have an apparent business purpose, it must also…
Buy-sell agreements, like a shotgun sale triggered by a deadlock, are the principal means by which the owners of closely held businesses protect against the worst consequences of deadlock. Commonly used shotgun provisions allow one party to set the price and allow the other party to decided whether to buy…
A limited liability company operating agreement may be amended informally by oral agreement or by a course of conduct. The party that claims amendment of an operating agreement by a course of conduct must establish the clear and mutual intent of the parties to agree to the amendment. A clear…
‘Business Divorce’ refers to disputes in which the owners of a closely held business, whether a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited partnership, must separate their business interests. In many cases, such as oppressed minority shareholder cases or oppressed LLC member cases, there are allegations that those in control…
In valuing the shares of a minority shareholder, a trial court must consider any valuation technique that is generally acceptable in the financial communities. Determining fair value is an art, not a science. Directors that hold a majority interest in a closely held business have a duty to deal fairly…
An oppressed minority shareholder was awarded approximately $750,000 in attorneys fees and expert expenses — some eight times the amount of the buyout — even though the majority had good reason to fire him from his position as the corporation’s CEO. Fee Award Under Oppressed Shareholder Statute to Selling Shareholder…
The general rule is that a court should not apply discounts for marketability or lack of control (the later known as the minority discount) unless there is some unfairness or wrongdoing among the parties. Still, in the world of oppressed minority shareholder litigation, there is always some allegation of wrongdoing,…