citation: CORP § 1113

text:
(a) Any one or more corporations may merge with one or more other business entities (Section 174.5). One or more domestic corporations (Section 167) not organized under this division and one or more foreign corporations (Section 171) may be parties to the merger. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the merger of any number of corporations with any number of other business entities may be effected only if:

(1) In a merger in which a domestic corporation not organized under this division or a domestic other business entity is a party, it is authorized by the laws under which it is organized to effect the merger.

(2) In a merger in which a foreign corporation is a party, it is authorized by the laws under which it is organized to effect the merger.

(3) In a merger in which a foreign other business entity is a party, it is authorized by the laws under which it is organized to effect the merger.

(b) Each corporation and each other party that desires to merge shall approve, and shall be a party to, an agreement of merger. Other persons, including a parent party (Section 1200), may be parties to the agreement of merger. The board of each corporation that desires to merge and, if required, the shareholders shall approve the agreement of merger. The agreement of merger shall be approved on behalf of each party by those persons required to approve the merger by the laws under which it is organized. The agreement of merger shall state:

(1) The terms and conditions of the merger.

(2) The name and place of incorporation or organization of each party to the merger and the identity of the surviving party.

(3) The amendments, if any, subject to Sections 900 and 907, to the articles of the surviving corporation, if applicable, to be effected by the merger. If any amendment changes the name of the surviving corporation, if applicable, the new name may be, subject to subdivision (b) of Section 201, the same as or similar to the name of a disappearing party to the merger.

(4) The manner of converting the shares of each constituent corporation into shares, interests, or other securities of the surviving party. If any shares of any constituent corporation are not to be converted solely into shares, interests, or other securities of the surviving party, the agreement of merger shall state (A) the cash, rights, securities, or other property which the holders of those shares are to receive in exchange for the shares, which cash, rights, securities, or other property may be in addition to or in lieu of shares, interests, or other securities of the surviving party, or (B) that the shares are canceled without consideration.

(5) Any other details or provisions required by the laws under which any party to the merger is organized, including, if a public benefit corporation or a religious corporation is a party to the merger, Section 6019.1, or, if a mutual benefit corporation is a party to the merger, Section 8019.1, or, if a consumer cooperative corporation is a party to the merger, Section 12540.1, or if an unincorporated association is a party to the merger, Section 18370, or, if a domestic limited partnership is a party to the merger, Section 15911.12, or, if a domestic partnership is a party to the merger, Section 16911, or, if a domestic limited liability company is a party to the merger, Section 17710.12.

(6) Any other details or provisions as are desired, including, without limitation, a provision for the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares or for any other arrangement with respect thereto consistent with the provisions of Section 407.

(c) Each share of the same class or series of any constituent corporation (other than the cancellation of shares held by a party to the merger or its parent, or a wholly owned subsidiary of either, in another constituent corporation) shall, unless all shareholders of the class or series consent and except as provided in Section 407, be treated equally with respect to any distribution of cash, rights, securities, or other property. Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), the unredeemable common shares of a constituent corporation may be converted only into unredeemable common shares of a surviving corporation or a parent party (Section 1200) or unredeemable equity securities of a surviving party other than a corporation if another party to the merger or its parent owns, directly or indirectly, prior to the merger shares of that corporation representing more than 50 percent of the voting power of that corporation, unless all of the shareholders of the class consent and except as provided in Section 407.

(d) Notwithstanding its prior approval, an agreement of merger may be amended prior to the filing of the agreement of merger or the certificate of merger, as is applicable, if the amendment is approved by the board of each constituent corporation and, if the amendment changes any of the principal terms of the agreement, by the outstanding shares (Section 152), if required by Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1200), in the same manner as the original agreement of merger. If the agreement of merger as so amended and approved is also approved by each of the other parties to the agreement of merger, the agreement of merger as so amended shall then constitute the agreement of merger.

(e) The board of a constituent corporation may, in its discretion, abandon a merger, subject to the contractual rights, if any, of third parties, including other parties to the agreement of merger, without further approval by the outstanding shares (Section 152), at any time before the merger is effective.

(f) Each constituent corporation shall sign the agreement of merger by its chairperson of the board, president or a vice president, and also by its secretary or an assistant secretary acting on behalf of their respective corporations.

(g) (1) If the surviving party is a corporation or a foreign corporation, or if a social purpose corporation (Section 171.08), a public benefit corporation (Section 5060), a mutual benefit corporation (Section 5059), a religious corporation (Section 5061), or a corporation organized under the Consumer Cooperative Corporation Law (Section 12200) is a party to the merger, after required approvals of the merger by each constituent corporation through approval of the board (Section 151) and any approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) required by Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1200) and by the other parties to the merger, the surviving party shall file a copy of the agreement of merger with an officers’ certificate of each constituent domestic and foreign corporation attached stating the total number of outstanding shares or membership interests of each class entitled to vote on the merger (and identifying any other person or persons whose approval is required), that the agreement of merger in the form attached or its principal terms, as required, were approved by that corporation by a vote of a number of shares or membership interests of each class that equaled or exceeded the vote required, specifying each class entitled to vote and the percentage vote required of each class and, if applicable, by that other person or persons whose approval is required, or that the merger agreement was entitled to be and was approved by the board alone (as provided in Section 1201, in the case of corporations subject to that section). If equity securities of a parent party (Section 1200) are to be issued in the merger, the officers’ certificate of that controlled party shall state either that no vote of the shareholders of the parent party was required or that the required vote was obtained. In lieu of an officers’ certificate, a certificate of merger, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, shall be filed for each constituent other business entity. The certificate of merger shall be executed and acknowledged by each domestic constituent limited liability company by all managers of the limited liability company (unless a lesser number is specified in its articles of organization or operating agreement) and by each domestic constituent limited partnership by all general partners (unless a lesser number is provided in its certificate of limited partnership or partnership agreement) and by each domestic constituent general partnership by two partners (unless a lesser number is provided in its partnership agreement) and by each foreign constituent limited liability company by one or more managers and by each foreign constituent general partnership or foreign constituent limited partnership by one or more general partners, and by each constituent reciprocal insurer by the chairperson of the board, president, or vice president, and by the secretary or assistant secretary, or, if a constituent reciprocal insurer has not appointed those officers, by the chairperson of the board, president, or vice president, and by the secretary or assistant secretary of the constituent reciprocal insurer’s attorney-in-fact, and by each other party to the merger by those persons required or authorized to execute the certificate of merger by the laws under which that party is organized, specifying for that party the provision of law or other basis for the authority of the signing persons. The certificate of merger shall set forth, if a vote of the shareholders, members, partners, or other holders of interests of the constituent other business entity was required, a statement setting forth the total number of outstanding interests of each class entitled to vote on the merger and that the agreement of merger in the form attached or its principal terms, as required, were approved by a vote of the number of interests of each class that equaled or exceeded the vote required, specifying each class entitled to vote and the percentage vote required of each class, and any other information required to be set forth under the laws under which the constituent other business entity is organized, including, if a domestic limited partnership is a party to the merger, subdivision (a) of Section 15911.14, if a domestic partnership is a party to the merger, subdivision (b) of Section 16915, and, if a domestic limited liability company is a party to the merger, subdivision (a) of Section 17710.04. The certificate of merger for each constituent foreign other business entity, if any, shall also set forth the statutory or other basis under which that foreign other business entity is authorized by the laws under which it is organized to effect the merger. The merger and any amendment of the articles of the surviving corporation, if applicable, contained in the agreement of merger shall be effective upon filing of the agreement of merger with an officer’s certificate of each constituent domestic and foreign corporation and a certificate of merger for each constituent other business entity, subject to subdivision (c) of Section 110 and subject to the provisions of subdivision (j), and the several parties thereto shall be one entity. If a domestic reciprocal insurer organized after 1974 to provide medical malpractice insurance is a party to the merger, the agreement of merger or certificate of merger shall not be filed until there has been filed the certificate issued by the Insurance Commissioner approving the merger pursuant to Section 1555 of the Insurance Code. The Secretary of State may certify a copy of the agreement of merger separate from the officers’ certificates and certificates of merger attached thereto.

(2) If the surviving entity is an other business entity, and no public benefit corporation (Section 5060), mutual benefit corporation (Section 5059), religious corporation (Section 5061), or corporation organized under the Consumer Cooperative Corporation Law (Section 12200) is a party to the merger, after required approvals of the merger by each constituent corporation through approval of the board (Section 151) and any approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) required by Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1200) and by the other parties to the merger, the parties to the merger shall file a certificate of merger in the office of, and on a form prescribed by, the Secretary of State. The certificate of merger shall be executed and acknowledged by each constituent domestic and foreign corporation by its chairperson of the board, president or a vice president, and also by its secretary or an assistant secretary and by each domestic constituent limited liability company by all managers of the limited liability company (unless a lesser number is specified in its articles of organization or operating agreement) and by each domestic constituent limited partnership by all general partners (unless a lesser number is provided in its certificate of limited partnership or partnership agreement) and by each domestic constituent general partnership by two partners (unless a lesser number is provided in its partnership agreement) and by each foreign constituent limited liability company by one or more managers and by each foreign constituent general partnership or foreign constituent limited partnership by one or more general partners, and by each constituent reciprocal insurer by the chairperson of the board, president, or vice president, and by the secretary or assistant secretary, or, if a constituent reciprocal insurer has not appointed those officers, by the chairperson of the board, president, or vice president, and by the secretary or assistant secretary of the constituent reciprocal insurer’s attorney-in-fact. The certificate of merger shall be signed by each other party to the merger by those persons required or authorized to execute the certificate of merger by the laws under which that party is organized, specifying for that party the provision of law or other basis for the authority of the signing persons. The certificate of merger shall set forth all of the following:

(A) The name, place of incorporation or organization, and the Secretary of State’s file number, if any, of each party to the merger, separately identifying the disappearing parties and the surviving party.

(B) If the approval of the outstanding shares of a constituent corporation was required by Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1200), a statement setting forth the total number of outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote on the merger and that the principal terms of the agreement of merger were approved by a vote of the number of shares of each class entitled to vote and the percentage vote required of each class.

(C) The future effective date or time, not more than 90 days subsequent to the date of filing of the merger, if the merger is not to be effective upon the filing of the certificate of merger with the office of the Secretary of State.

(D) A statement, by each party to the merger which is a domestic corporation not organized under this division, a foreign corporation, or an other business entity, of the statutory or other basis under which that party is authorized by the laws under which it is organized to effect the merger.

(E) Any other information required to be stated in the certificate of merger by the laws under which each party to the merger is organized, including, if a domestic limited liability company is a party to the merger, subdivision (a) of Section 17710.14, if a domestic partnership is a party to the merger, subdivision (b) of Section 16915, and, if a domestic limited partnership is a party to the merger, subdivision (a) of Section 15911.14.

(F) Any other details or provisions that may be desired.

Unless a future effective date or time is provided in a certificate of merger, in which event the merger shall be effective at that future effective date or time, a merger shall be effective upon the filing of the certificate of merger in the office of the Secretary of State and the several parties thereto shall be one entity. The surviving other business entity shall keep a copy of the agreement of merger at its principal place of business which, for purposes of this subdivision, shall be the office referred to in Section 17710.13 if a domestic limited liability company, at the business address specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 17710.14 if a foreign limited liability company, at the office referred to in subdivision (a) of Section 16403 if a domestic general partnership, at the business address specified in subdivision (f) of Section 16911 if a foreign partnership, at the office referred to in subdivision (a) of Section 15901.14 if a domestic limited partnership, or at the business address specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 15909.02 if a foreign limited partnership. Upon the request of a holder of equity securities of a party to the merger, a person with authority to do so on behalf of the surviving other business entity shall promptly deliver to that holder, a copy of the agreement of merger. A waiver by that holder of the rights provided in the foregoing sentence shall be unenforceable. If a domestic reciprocal insurer organized after 1974 to provide medical malpractice insurance is a party to the merger the agreement of merger or certificate of merger shall not be filed until there has been filed the certificate issued by the Insurance Commissioner approving the merger in accordance with Section 1555 of the Insurance Code.

(h) (1) A copy of an agreement of merger certified on or after the effective date by an official having custody thereof has the same force in evidence as the original and, except as against the state, is conclusive evidence of the performance of all conditions precedent to the merger, the existence on the effective date of the surviving party to the merger, and the performance of the conditions necessary to the adoption of any amendment to the articles, if applicable, contained in the agreement of merger.

(2) For all purposes for a merger in which the surviving entity is a domestic other business entity and the filing of a certificate of merger is required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (g), a copy of the certificate of merger duly certified by the Secretary of State is conclusive evidence of the merger of the constituent corporations, either by themselves or together with the other parties to the merger, into the surviving other business entity.

(i) (1) Upon a merger pursuant to this section, the separate existences of the disappearing parties to the merger cease and the surviving party to the merger shall succeed, without other transfer, to all the rights and property of each of the disappearing parties to the merger and shall be subject to all the debts and liabilities of each in the same manner as if the surviving party to the merger had itself incurred them.

(2) All rights of creditors and all liens upon the property of each of the constituent corporations and other parties to the merger shall be preserved unimpaired, provided that those liens upon property of a disappearing party shall be limited to the property affected thereby immediately prior to the time the merger is effective.

(3) Any action or proceeding pending by or against any disappearing corporation or disappearing party to the merger may be prosecuted to judgment, which shall bind the surviving party, or the surviving party may be proceeded against or substituted in its place.

(4) If a limited partnership or a general partnership is a party to the merger, nothing in this section is intended to affect the liability a general partner of a disappearing limited partnership or general partnership may have in connection with the debts and liabilities of the disappearing limited partnership or general partnership existing prior to the time the merger is effective.

(j) (1) The merger of domestic corporations with foreign corporations or foreign other business entities in a merger in which one or more other business entities is a party shall comply with subdivision (a) and this subdivision.

(2) If the surviving party is a domestic corporation or domestic other business entity, the merger proceedings with respect to that party and any domestic disappearing corporation shall conform to the provisions of this section. If the surviving party is a foreign corporation or foreign other business entity, then, subject to the requirements of subdivision (c), and of Section 407 and Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1200) and Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300), and, if applicable, corresponding provisions of the Nonprofit Corporation Law or the Consumer Cooperative Corporation Law, with respect to any domestic constituent corporations, Article 11 (commencing with Section 17711.01) of Title 2.6 with respect to any domestic constituent limited liability companies, Article 6 (commencing with Section 16601) of Chapter 5 of Title 2 with respect to any domestic constituent general partnerships, and Article 11.5 (commencing with Section 15911.20) of Chapter 5.5 of Title 2 with respect to any domestic constituent limited partnerships, the merger proceedings may be in accordance with the laws of the state or place of incorporation or organization of the surviving party.

(3) If the surviving party is a domestic corporation or domestic other business entity, the certificate of merger or the agreement of merger with attachments shall be filed as provided in subdivision (g) and thereupon, subject to subdivision (c) of Section 110 or paragraph (2) of subdivision (g), as is applicable, the merger shall be effective as to each domestic constituent corporation and domestic constituent other business entity.

(4) If the surviving party is a foreign corporation or foreign other business entity, the merger shall become effective in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction in which the surviving party is organized, but, except as provided in paragraph (5), the merger shall be effective as to any domestic disappearing corporation as of the time of effectiveness in the foreign jurisdiction upon the filing in this state of a copy of the agreement of merger with an officers’ certificate of each constituent foreign and domestic corporation and a certificate of merger of each constituent other business entity attached, which officers’ certificates and certificates of merger shall conform to the requirements of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g). If one or more domestic other business entities is a disappearing party in a merger pursuant to this subdivision in which a foreign other business entity is the surviving entity, a certificate of merger required by the laws under which that domestic other business entity is organized, including subdivision (a) of Section 15911.14, subdivision (b) of Section 16915, or subdivision (a) of Section 17710.14, as is applicable, shall also be filed at the same time as the filing of the agreement of merger.

(5) If the date of the filing in this state pursuant to this subdivision is more than six months after the time of the effectiveness in the foreign jurisdiction, or if the powers of a domestic disappearing corporation are suspended at the time of effectiveness in the foreign jurisdiction, the merger shall be effective as to the domestic disappearing corporation as of the date of filing in this state.

(6) In a merger described in paragraph (3) or (4), each foreign disappearing corporation that is qualified for the transaction of intrastate business shall by virtue of the filing pursuant to this subdivision, subject to subdivision (c) of Section 110, automatically surrender its right to transact intrastate business in this state. The filing of the agreement of merger or certificate of merger, as is applicable, pursuant to this subdivision, by a disappearing foreign other business entity registered for the transaction of intrastate business in this state shall, by virtue of that filing, subject to subdivision (c) of Section 110, automatically cancels the registration for that foreign other business entity, without the necessity of the filing of a certificate of cancellation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 694, Sec. 7. (SB 1301) Effective January 1, 2015.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


kind: section

code: CORP

citation: CORP § 1150

text:
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Converted corporation” means a corporation that results from a conversion of a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation pursuant to Section 1157.

(b) “Converted entity” means a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation that results from a conversion of a corporation under this chapter.

(c) “Converting corporation” means a corporation that converts into a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation pursuant to this chapter.

(d) “Converting entity” means a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation that converts into a corporation pursuant to Section 1157.

(e) “Domestic other business entity” has the meaning provided in Section 167.7.

(f) “Foreign corporation” has the meaning provided in Section 171.

(g) “Foreign other business entity” has the meaning provided in Section 171.07.

(h) “Other business entity” has the meaning provided in Section 174.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 237, Sec. 1. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2023.)

division: 1. GENERAL CORPORATION LAW

title: 1. CORPORATIONS

chapter: 11.5. Conversions

path: 1. CORPORATIONS > 1. GENERAL CORPORATION LAW > 11.5. Conversions


citation: CORP § 1151

text:
(a) A corporation may be converted into a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation pursuant to this chapter if, pursuant to the proposed conversion, (1) each share of the same class or series of the converting corporation shall, unless all the shareholders of the class or series consent, be treated equally with respect to any cash, rights, securities, or other property to be received by, or any obligations or restrictions to be imposed on, the holder of that share, and (2) nonredeemable common shares of the converting corporation shall be converted only into nonredeemable equity securities of the converted entity unless all of the shareholders of the class consent; provided, however, that clause (1) shall not restrict the ability of the shareholders of a converting corporation to appoint one or more managers, if the converted entity is a limited liability company, or one or more general partners, if the converted entity is a limited partnership, in the plan of conversion or in the converted entity’s governing documents.

(b) Notwithstanding this section, the conversion of a corporation into a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation may be effected only if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) The law under which the converted entity will exist expressly permits the formation of that entity pursuant to a conversion.

(2) The corporation complies with any and all other requirements of any other law that applies to conversion to the converted entity.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 23. (AB 1754) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1152

text:
(a) A corporation that desires to convert to a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation shall approve a plan of conversion. The plan of conversion shall state all of the following:

(1) The terms and conditions of the conversion.

(2) The name, form, and jurisdiction of organization of the converted entity after conversion.

(3) The manner of converting the shares of each of the shareholders of the converting corporation into securities of, or interests in, the converted entity.

(4) The provisions of the governing documents for the converted entity, including the partnership agreement if the converted entity is a partnership, the articles of organization or certificate of formation and operating agreement if the converted entity is a limited liability company, or the articles or certificate of incorporation if the converted entity is a corporation, to which the holders of interests in the converted entity are to be bound.

(5) Any other details or provisions that are required by the laws under which the converted entity is organized, or that are desired by the converting corporation.

(b) The plan of conversion shall be approved by the board of the converting corporation (Section 151), and the principal terms of the plan of the conversion shall be approved by the outstanding shares (Section 152) of each class of the converting corporation. The approval of the outstanding shares may be given before or after approval by the board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a converting corporation is a close corporation, the conversion shall be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of each class, or a greater vote if required in the articles, of outstanding shares (Section 152) of that converting corporation; provided, however, that the articles may provide for a lesser vote, but not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of each class.

(c) If the corporation is converting into a general or limited partnership or a foreign general or limited partnership or into a limited liability company or a foreign limited liability company, then in addition to the approval of the shareholders set forth in subdivision (b), the plan of conversion shall be approved by each shareholder who will become a general partner or manager, as applicable, of the converted entity pursuant to the plan of conversion unless the shareholders have dissenters’ rights pursuant to Section 1159 and Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300).

(d) Upon the effectiveness of the conversion, all shareholders of the converting corporation, except those that exercise dissenters’ rights as provided in Section 1159 and Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300), shall be deemed parties to any agreement or agreements constituting the governing documents for the converted entity adopted as part of the plan of conversion, irrespective of whether a shareholder has executed the plan of conversion or those governing documents for the converted entity. Any adoption of governing documents made pursuant thereto shall be effective at the effective time or date of the conversion.

(e) Notwithstanding its prior approval by the board and the outstanding shares or either of them, a plan of conversion may be amended before the conversion takes effect if the amendment is approved by the board and, if it changes any of the principal terms of the plan of conversion, by the shareholders of the converting corporation in the same manner and to the same extent as was required for approval of the original plan of conversion.

(f) A plan of conversion may be abandoned by the board of a converting corporation, or by the shareholders of a converting corporation if the abandonment is approved by the outstanding shares, in each case in the same manner as required for approval of the plan of conversion, subject to the contractual rights of third parties, at any time before the conversion is effective.

(g) The converted entity shall keep the plan of conversion at (1) the principal place of business of the converted entity if the converted entity is a domestic partnership, (2) the office at which records are to be kept under Section 15901.11 if the converted entity is a domestic limited partnership, (3) the office at which records are to be kept under Section 17701.13 if the converted entity is a domestic limited liability company, or (4) the office at which records are to be kept under the laws of the jurisdiction applicable to the converted entity if the converted entity is a foreign other business entity or foreign corporation. Upon the request of a shareholder of a converting corporation, the authorized person on behalf of the converted entity shall promptly deliver to the shareholder, at the expense of the converted entity, a copy of the plan of conversion. A waiver by a shareholder of the rights provided in this subdivision shall be unenforceable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 237, Sec. 3. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1153

text:
(a) After the approval, as provided in Section 1152, of a plan of conversion by the board and the outstanding shares of a corporation, the converting corporation shall cause the filing of all documents required by law, including, in the case of a corporation converting into a foreign corporation or foreign other business entity, the laws of the state or place of organization of the foreign corporation or foreign other business entity, to effect the conversion and create the converted entity, which documents shall include a certificate of conversion or a statement of conversion as required by Section 1155, and the conversion shall thereupon be effective, or, in the case of a corporation converting into a foreign corporation or foreign other business entity, shall be effective in accordance with the laws of the state or place of organization of the foreign corporation or foreign other business entity.

(b) A copy of the statement of partnership authority, certificate of limited partnership, or articles of organization, or certificate of conversion complying with Section 1155, duly certified by the Secretary of State on or after the effective date, is conclusive evidence of the conversion of the corporation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 237, Sec. 4. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1154

text:
(a) To enforce an obligation of a corporation that has converted to a foreign corporation or foreign other business entity, the Secretary of State shall only be the agent for service of process in an action or proceeding against that converted foreign entity, if the agent designated for the service of process for that entity is a natural person and cannot be found with due diligence or if the agent is a corporation and no person, to whom delivery may be made, may be located with due diligence, or if no agent has been designated and if none of the officers, members, managers, or agents of that entity may be located after diligent search, and it is shown by affidavit to the satisfaction of the court. The court then may make an order that service be made by personal delivery to the Secretary of State or to an assistant or Deputy Secretary of State of two copies of the process together with two copies of the order, and the order shall set forth an address to which the process shall be sent by the Secretary of State. Service in this manner is deemed complete on the 10th day after delivery of the process to the Secretary of State.

(b) Upon receipt of the process and order and the fee set forth in Section 12197 of the Government Code, the Secretary of State shall provide notice to that entity of the service of the process by forwarding by certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy of the process and order to the address specified in the order.

(c) The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all process served upon the Secretary of State and shall record the time of service and the Secretary of State’s action with respect to the process served. The certificate of the Secretary of State, under the Secretary of State’s official seal, certifying to the receipt of process, the providing of notice of process to that entity, and the forwarding of the process shall be competent and prima facie evidence of the matters stated therein.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 237, Sec. 5. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1155

text:
(a) To convert a corporation:

(1) If the corporation is converting into a domestic limited partnership, a statement of conversion shall be completed on the certificate of limited partnership for the converted entity.

(2) If the corporation is converting into a domestic partnership, a statement of conversion shall be completed on the statement of partnership authority for the converted entity, or if no statement of partnership authority is filed then a certificate of conversion shall be filed separately.

(3) If the corporation is converting into a domestic limited liability company, a statement of conversion shall be completed on the articles of organization for the converted entity.

(4) If the corporation is converting into a foreign other business entity or a foreign corporation, a certificate of conversion shall be filed with the Secretary of State.

(b) Any statement or certificate of conversion of a converting corporation shall be executed and acknowledged by those officers of the converting corporation as would be required to sign an officers’ certificate (Section 173), and shall set forth all of the following:

(1) The name of the converting corporation and the Secretary of State’s file number of the converting corporation.

(2) A statement of the total number of outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote on the conversion, that the principal terms of the plan of conversion were approved by a vote of the number of shares of each class which equaled or exceeded the vote required under Section 1152, specifying each class entitled to vote and the percentage vote required of each class.

(3) The name, form, and jurisdiction of organization of the converted entity.

(4) The name, mailing address, and street address of the converted entity’s agent for service of process. If a corporation qualified under Section 1505 is designated as the agent, no address for it shall be set forth.

(c) For the purposes of this chapter, the certificate of conversion shall be on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(d) The filing with the Secretary of State of a statement of conversion on an organizational document or a certificate of conversion as set forth in subdivision (a) shall have the effect of the filing of a certificate of dissolution by the converting corporation and no converting corporation that has made the filing is required to file a certificate of election under Section 1901 or a certificate of dissolution under Section 1905 as a result of that conversion.

(e) Upon the effectiveness of a conversion pursuant to this chapter, a converted entity shall be deemed to have assumed the liability of the converting corporation (1) to prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed all tax and information returns otherwise required of the converting corporation under the Corporation Tax Law (Part 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code) and (2) to pay any tax liability determined to be due pursuant to that law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 237, Sec. 6. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1156

text:
(a) Whenever a corporation or other business entity having any real property in this state converts into a corporation or an other business entity pursuant to the laws of this state or of the state or place in which the corporation or other business entity was organized, and the laws of the state or place of organization, including this state, of the converting corporation or other converting entity provide substantially that the conversion vests in the converted corporation or other converted entity all the real property of the converting corporation or other converting entity, the filing for record in the office of the county recorder of any county in this state in which any of the real property of the converting corporation or other converting entity is located of either (1) a certificate of conversion or a statement of partnership authority, certificate of limited partnership or articles of organization containing a statement of conversion complying with Section 1155 and certified on or after the effective date of the conversion by the Secretary of State or (2) a copy of a certificate of conversion or a statement of partnership authority, certificate of limited partnership, articles of organization, articles of incorporation, or other comparable organizing document evidencing the creation of a foreign other business entity or foreign corporation, containing a statement of conversion, meeting the requirements of subdivision (b) and certified on or after the effective date of the conversion by the Secretary of State or any other authorized public official of the state or place pursuant to the laws of which the converted entity is organized, shall evidence record ownership in the converted corporation or other converted entity of all interest of the converting corporation or other converting entity in and to the real property located in that county.

(b) A filed and, if appropriate, recorded certificate of conversion or a statement of partnership authority, certificate of limited partnership, articles of organization, articles of incorporation, or other comparable organizing document evidencing the formation of a foreign other business entity or a foreign corporation referred to in clause (2) of subdivision (a) above which contains a statement of conversion, stating the name of the converting corporation or other converting entity in whose name property was held before the conversion and the name of the converted entity or converted corporation, but not containing all of the other information required by Section 1155, operates with respect to the converted entity named to the extent provided in subdivision (a).

(c) Recording of a certificate of conversion or a statement of partnership authority, certificate of limited partnership, articles of organization, articles of incorporation, or other comparable organizing document evidencing the creation of an other business entity or a corporation, containing a statement of conversion, in accordance with subdivision (a), shall create, in favor of bona fide purchasers or encumbrances for value, a conclusive presumption that the conversion was validly completed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 480, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2003.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1157

text:
(a) A domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation may be converted into a corporation pursuant to this chapter only if the converting entity is authorized by the laws under which it is organized to effect the conversion.

(b) A domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation that desires to convert into a corporation shall approve a plan of conversion or other instrument as is required to be approved to effect the conversion pursuant to the laws under which that entity is organized.

(c) The conversion of a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation shall be approved by the number or percentage of the partners, members, shareholders, or other holders of interest of the converting entity that is required by the laws under which that entity is organized, or a greater or lesser percentage as may be set forth in the converting entity’s partnership agreement, articles of organization, operating agreement, articles of incorporation, or other governing document in accordance with applicable laws.

(d) The conversion by a domestic other business entity, foreign other business entity, or foreign corporation shall be effective under this chapter upon the filing with the Secretary of State of the articles of incorporation of the converted corporation, containing a statement of conversion that complies with subdivision (e).

(e) A statement of conversion of an entity converting into a corporation pursuant to this chapter shall set forth all of the following:

(1) The name, form, and jurisdiction of organization of the converting entity.

(2) The Secretary of State’s file number, if any, of the converting entity.

(3) If the converting entity is a foreign other business entity or a foreign corporation, the statement of conversion shall contain the following:

(A) A statement that the converting entity is authorized to effect the conversion by the laws under which it is organized.

(B) A statement that the converting entity has approved a plan of conversion or other instrument as is required to be approved to effect the conversion pursuant to the laws under which the converting entity is organized.

(C) A statement that the conversion has been approved by the number or percentage of the partners, members, shareholders, or other holders of interest of the converting entity that is required by the laws under which that entity is organized, or a greater or lesser percentage as may be set forth in the converting entity’s partnership agreement, articles of organization, operating agreement, articles of incorporation, or other governing document in accordance with applicable laws.

(f) The filing with the Secretary of State of articles of incorporation containing a statement pursuant to subdivision (e) shall have the effect of the filing of a certificate of cancellation by a converting foreign limited liability company or foreign limited partnership, and no converting foreign limited liability company or foreign limited partnership that has made the filing is required to file a certificate of cancellation under Section 15909.07 or 17708.06 as a result of that conversion. If a converting entity is a foreign corporation qualified to transact business in this state, the foreign corporation shall, by virtue of the filing, automatically surrender its right to transact intrastate business.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 237, Sec. 7. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1158

text:
(a) An entity that converts into another entity pursuant to this chapter is for all purposes other than for the purposes of Part 10 (commencing with Section 17001) of, Part 10.20 (commencing with Section 18401) of, and Part 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of, Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the same entity that existed before the conversion.

(b) Upon a conversion taking effect, all of the following apply:

(1) All the rights and property, whether real, personal, or mixed, of the converting entity or converting corporation are vested in the converted entity or converted corporation.

(2) All debts, liabilities, and obligations of the converting entity or converting corporation continue as debts, liabilities, and obligations of the converted entity or converted corporation.

(3) All rights of creditors and liens upon the property of the converting entity or converting corporation shall be preserved unimpaired and remain enforceable against the converted entity or converted corporation to the same extent as against the converting entity or converting corporation as if the conversion had not occurred.

(4) Any action or proceeding pending by or against the converting entity or converting corporation may be continued against the converted entity or converted corporation as if the conversion had not occurred.

(c) A shareholder of a converting corporation is liable for:

(1) All obligations of the converting corporation for which the shareholder was personally liable before the conversion, but only to the extent that the shareholder was personally liable for the obligations of the converting corporation before the conversion.

(2) All obligations of the converted entity incurred after the conversion takes effect if (A) the shareholder becomes a general partner of a converted entity that is a general or limited partnership and, as a general partner, has liability under the laws under which the converted entity is organized or under the converted entity’s governing documents or (B) the shareholder becomes a holder of other interests in the converted entity and, as a holder, has liability under the laws under which the converted entity is organized or under the converted entity’s governing documents.

(d) A shareholder of a converted corporation remains liable for any and all obligations of the converting entity for which the shareholder was personally liable before the conversion, but only to the extent that the shareholder was personally liable for the obligations of the converting entity prior to the conversion.

(e) If a party to a transaction with a converted corporation that converted from a partnership reasonably believes when entering into the transaction that a shareholder of the converted corporation continues to be a general partner of the converting entity after the conversion is effective, and the shareholder was a general partner of the partnership that converted into the converted corporation, the shareholder is liable for an obligation incurred by the converted corporation within 90 days after the conversion takes effect. The shareholder’s liability for all other obligations of the converted corporation incurred after the conversion takes effect is that of a shareholder of a corporation.

(f) The converted entity shall cause written notice of the conversion to be given by mail within 90 days after the effective date of the conversion to all known creditors and claimants whose addresses appear on the records of the converting entity. Failure to comply with this subdivision shall not affect the validity of the conversion, extend the 90-day period set forth in subdivision (e), or otherwise affect the rights of a creditor or claimant under this section.

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1159

text: The shareholders of a converting corporation shall have all of the rights under Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300) of the shareholders of a corporation involved in a reorganization requiring the approval of its outstanding shares (Section 152), and the converting corporation shall have all of the obligations under Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300) of a corporation involved in the reorganization. Solely for purposes of applying the provisions of Chapter 13 (and not for purposes of Chapter 12), a conversion pursuant to Section 1151 or 1157 shall be deemed to constitute a reorganization.

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1200

text:
A reorganization (Section 181) or a share exchange tender offer (Section 183.5) shall be approved by the board of:

(a) Each constituent corporation in a merger reorganization;

(b) The acquiring corporation in an exchange reorganization;

(c) The acquiring corporation and the corporation whose property and assets are acquired in a sale-of-assets reorganization;

(d) The acquiring corporation in a share exchange tender offer (Section 183.5); and

(e) The corporation in control of any constituent or acquiring domestic or foreign corporation or other business entity under subdivision (a), (b) or (c) and whose equity securities are issued, transferred, or exchanged in the reorganization (a “parent party”).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 437, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2000.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS

chapter: 12. Reorganizations

path: 1. CORPORATIONS > 1. GENERAL CORPORATION LAW > 12. Reorganizations


citation: CORP § 1201

text:
(a) The principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by the outstanding shares (Section 152) of each class of each corporation the approval of whose board is required under Section 1200, except as provided in subdivision (b) and except that (unless otherwise provided in the articles) no approval of any class of outstanding preferred shares of the surviving or acquiring corporation or parent party shall be required if the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to or imposed upon that class of shares remain unchanged (subject to the provisions of subdivision (c)). For the purpose of this subdivision, two classes of common shares differing only as to voting rights shall be considered as a single class of shares.

(b) No approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) is required by subdivision (a) in the case of any corporation if that corporation, or its shareholders immediately before the reorganization, or both, shall own (immediately after the reorganization) equity securities, other than any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase those equity securities, of the surviving or acquiring corporation or a parent party (subdivision (e) of Section 1200) possessing more than five-sixths of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring corporation or parent party. In making the determination of ownership by the shareholders of a corporation, immediately after the reorganization, of equity securities pursuant to the preceding sentence, equity securities which they owned immediately before the reorganization as shareholders of another party to the transaction shall be disregarded. For the purpose of this section only, the voting power of a corporation shall be calculated by assuming the conversion of all equity securities convertible (immediately or at some future time) into shares entitled to vote but not assuming the exercise of any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase those shares.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by the outstanding shares (Section 152) of the surviving corporation in a merger reorganization if any amendment is made to its articles that would otherwise require that approval.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by the outstanding shares (Section 152) of any class of a corporation that is a party to a merger or sale-of-assets reorganization if holders of shares of that class receive shares of the surviving or acquiring corporation or parent party having different rights, preferences, privileges, or restrictions than those surrendered. Shares in a foreign corporation received in exchange for shares in a domestic corporation have different rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions within the meaning of the preceding sentence.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of each class, or a greater vote if required in the articles, of the outstanding shares (Section 152) of any close corporation if the reorganization would result in their receiving shares of a corporation that is not a close corporation. However, the articles may provide for a lesser vote, but not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of each class.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by at least two-thirds of each class, or a greater vote if required in the articles, of the outstanding shares (Section 152) of a corporation that is a party to a merger reorganization if holders of shares receive shares of a surviving social purpose corporation in the merger.

(g) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by the outstanding shares (Section 152) of any class of a corporation that is a party to a merger reorganization if holders of shares of that class receive interests of a surviving other business entity in the merger.

(h) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the principal terms of a reorganization shall be approved by all shareholders of any class or series if, as a result of the reorganization, the holders of that class or series become personally liable for any obligations of a party to the reorganization, unless all holders of that class or series have the dissenters’ rights provided in Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300).

(i) Any approval required by this section may be given before or after the approval by the board. Notwithstanding approval required by this section, the board may abandon the proposed reorganization without further action by the shareholders, subject to the contractual rights, if any, of third parties.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 617, Sec. 22. (SB 1202) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


text:
(a) The principal terms of a share exchange tender offer (Section 183. 5) shall be approved by the outstanding shares (Section 152) of each class of the corporation making the tender offer or whose shares are to be used in the tender offer, except as provided in subdivision (b) and except that (unless otherwise provided in the articles) no approval of any class of outstanding preferred shares of either corporation shall be required, if the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to or imposed upon that class of shares remain unchanged. For the purpose of this subdivision, two classes of common shares differing only as to voting rights shall be considered as a single class of shares.

(b) No approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) is required by subdivision (a) in the case of any corporation if the corporation, or its shareholders immediately before the tender offer, or both, shall own (immediately after the completion of the share exchange proposed in the tender offer) equity securities, (other than any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase the equity securities), of the corporation making the tender offer or of the corporation whose shares were used in the tender offer, possessing more than five-sixths of the voting power of either corporation. In making the determination of ownership by the shareholders of a corporation, immediately after the tender offer, of equity securities pursuant to the preceding sentence, equity securities which they owned immediately before the tender offer as shareholders of another party to the transaction shall be disregarded. For the purpose of this section only, the voting power of a corporation shall be calculated by assuming the conversion of all equity securities convertible (immediately or at some future time) into shares entitled to vote but not assuming the exercise of any warrant or right to subscribe to, or purchase, shares.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 616, Sec. 2.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1202

text:
(a) In addition to the requirements of Section 1201, the principal terms of a merger reorganization shall be approved by all the outstanding shares of a corporation if the agreement of merger provides that all the outstanding shares of that corporation are canceled without consideration in the merger.

(b) In addition to the requirements of Section 1201, if the terms of a merger reorganization or sale-of-assets reorganization provide that a class or series of preferred shares is to have distributed to it a lesser amount than would be required by applicable article provisions, the principal terms of the reorganization shall be approved by the same percentage of outstanding shares of that class or series which would be required to approve an amendment of the article provisions to provide for the distribution of that lesser amount.

(c) If a parent party within the meaning of Section 1200 is a foreign corporation (other than a foreign corporation to which subdivision (a) of Section 2115 is applicable), any requirement or lack of a requirement for approval by the outstanding shares of the foreign corporation shall be based, not on the application of Sections 1200 and 1201, but on the application of the laws of the state or place of incorporation of the foreign corporation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 919, Sec. 7.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1203

text:
(a) If a tender offer, including a share exchange tender offer (Section 183.5), or a written proposal for approval of a reorganization subject to Section 1200 or for a sale of assets subject to subdivision (a) of Section 1001 is made to some or all of a corporation’s shareholders by an interested party (herein referred to as an “Interested Party Proposal”), an affirmative opinion in writing as to the fairness of the consideration to the shareholders of that corporation shall be delivered as follows:

(1) If no shareholder approval or acceptance is required for the consummation of the transaction, the opinion shall be delivered to the corporation’s board of directors not later than the time that consummation of the transaction is authorized and approved by the board of directors.

(2) If a tender offer is made to the corporation’s shareholders, the opinion shall be delivered to the shareholders at the time that the tender offer is first made in writing to the shareholders. However, if the tender offer is commenced by publication and tender offer materials are subsequently mailed or otherwise distributed to the shareholders, the opinion may be omitted in that publication if the opinion is included in the materials distributed to the shareholders.

(3) If a shareholders’ meeting is to be held to vote on approval of the transaction, the opinion shall be delivered to the shareholders with the notice of the meeting (Section 601).

(4) If consents of all shareholders entitled to vote are solicited in writing (Section 603), the opinion shall be delivered at the same time as that solicitation.

(5) If the consents of all shareholders are not solicited in writing, the opinion shall be delivered to each shareholder whose consent is solicited prior to that shareholder’s consent being given, and to all other shareholders at the time they are given the notice required by subdivision (b) of Section 603.

For purposes of this section, the term “interested party” means a person who is a party to the transaction and (A) directly or indirectly controls the corporation that is the subject of the tender offer or proposal, (B) is, or is directly or indirectly controlled by, an officer or director of the subject corporation, or (C) is an entity in which a material financial interest (subdivision (a) of Section 310) is held by any director or executive officer of the subject corporation. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “any executive officer” means the president, any vice president in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function such as sales, administration, research, development, or finance, and any other officer or other person who performs a policymaking function or has the same duties as those of a president or vice president. The opinion required by this subdivision shall be provided by a person who is not affiliated with the offeror and who, for compensation, engages in the business of advising others as to the value of properties, businesses, or securities. The fact that the opining person previously has provided services to the offeror or a related entity or is simultaneously engaged in providing advice or assistance with respect to the proposed transaction in a manner which makes its compensation contingent on the success of the proposed transaction shall not, for those reasons, be deemed to affiliate the opining person with the offeror. Nothing in this subdivision shall limit the applicability of the standards of review of the transaction in the event of a challenge thereto under Section 310 or subdivision (c) of Section 1312.

This subdivision shall not apply to an Interested Party Proposal if the corporation that is the subject thereof does not have shares held of record by 100 or more persons (determined as provided in Section 605), or if the transaction has been qualified under Section 25113 or 25121 and no order under Section 25140 or subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to that qualification.

(b) If a tender of shares or a vote or written consent is being sought pursuant to an Interested Party Proposal and a later tender offer or written proposal for a reorganization subject to Section 1200 or sale of assets subject to subdivision (a) of Section 1001 that would require a vote or written consent of shareholders is made to the corporation or its shareholders (herein referred to as a “Later Proposal”) by any other person at least 10 days prior to the date for acceptance of the tendered shares or the vote or notice of shareholder approval on the Interested Party Proposal, then each of the following shall apply:

(1) The shareholders shall be informed of the Later Proposal and any written material provided for this purpose by the later offeror shall be forwarded to the shareholders at that offeror’s expense.

(2) The shareholders shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to withdraw any vote, consent, or proxy previously given before the vote or written consent on the Interested Party Proposal becomes effective, or a reasonable time to withdraw any tendered shares before the purchase of the shares pursuant to the Interested Party Proposal. For purposes of this subdivision, a delay of 10 days from the notice or publication of the Later Proposal shall be deemed to provide a reasonable opportunity or time to effect that withdrawal.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 216, Sec. 9.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1300

text:
(a) If the approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) of a corporation is required for a reorganization under subdivisions (a) and (b) or subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 1201, each shareholder of the corporation entitled to vote on the transaction and each shareholder of a subsidiary corporation in a short-form merger may, by complying with this chapter, require the corporation in which the shareholder holds shares to purchase for cash at their fair market value the shares owned by the shareholder which are dissenting shares as defined in subdivision (b). The fair market value shall be determined as of the day of, and immediately prior to, the first announcement of the terms of the proposed reorganization or short-form merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of the proposed reorganization or short-form merger, as adjusted for any stock split, reverse stock split, or share dividend that becomes effective thereafter.

(b) As used in this chapter, “dissenting shares” means shares to which all of the following apply:

(1) That were not, immediately prior to the reorganization or short-form merger, listed on any national securities exchange certified by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation under subdivision (o) of Section 25100, and the notice of meeting of shareholders to act upon the reorganization summarizes this section and Sections 1301, 1302, 1303, and 1304; provided, however, that this provision does not apply to any shares with respect to which there exists any restriction on transfer imposed by the corporation or by any law or regulation; and provided, further, that this provision does not apply to any shares where the holder of those shares is required, by the terms of the reorganization or short-form merger, to accept for the shares anything except: (A) shares of any other corporation, which shares, at the time the reorganization or short-form merger is effective, are listed on any national securities exchange certified by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation under subdivision (o) of Section 25100; (B) cash in lieu of fractional shares described in the foregoing subparagraph (A); or (C) any combination of the shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares described in the foregoing subparagraphs (A) and (B).

(2) That were outstanding on the date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on the reorganization and (A) were not voted in favor of the reorganization or, (B) if described in paragraph (1), were voted against the reorganization, or were held of record on the effective date of a short-form merger; provided, however, that subparagraph (A) rather than subparagraph (B) of this paragraph applies in any case where the approval required by Section 1201 is sought by written consent rather than at a meeting.

(3) That the dissenting shareholder has demanded that the corporation purchase at their fair market value, in accordance with Section 1301.

(4) That the dissenting shareholder has submitted for endorsement, in accordance with Section 1302.

(c) As used in this chapter, “dissenting shareholder” means the recordholder of dissenting shares and includes a transferee of record.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 452, Sec. 48. (SB 1498) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS

chapter: 13. Dissenters’ Rights

path: 1. CORPORATIONS > 1. GENERAL CORPORATION LAW > 13. Dissenters’ Rights


citation: CORP § 1301

text:
(a) If, in the case of a reorganization, any shareholders of a corporation have a right under Section 1300, subject to compliance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (b) thereof, to require the corporation to purchase their shares for cash, that corporation shall mail to each of those shareholders a notice of the approval of the reorganization by its outstanding shares (Section 152) within 10 days after the date of that approval, accompanied by a copy of Sections 1300, 1302, 1303, and 1304 and this section, a statement of the price determined by the corporation to represent the fair market value of the dissenting shares, and a brief description of the procedure to be followed if the shareholder desires to exercise the shareholder’s right under those sections. The statement of price constitutes an offer by the corporation to purchase at the price stated any dissenting shares as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1300, unless they lose their status as dissenting shares under Section 1309.

(b) Any shareholder who has a right to require the corporation to purchase the shareholder’s shares for cash under Section 1300, subject to compliance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (b) thereof, and who desires the corporation to purchase shares shall make written demand upon the corporation for the purchase of those shares and payment to the shareholder in cash of their fair market value. The demand is not effective for any purpose unless it is received by the corporation or any transfer agent thereof (1) in the case of shares described in subdivision (b) of Section 1300, not later than the date of the shareholders’ meeting to vote upon the reorganization, or (2) in any other case, within 30 days after the date on which the notice of the approval by the outstanding shares pursuant to subdivision (a) or the notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder.

(c) The demand shall state the number and class of the shares held of record by the shareholder which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase and shall contain a statement of what the shareholder claims to be the fair market value of those shares as determined pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1300. The statement of fair market value constitutes an offer by the shareholder to sell the shares at that price.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 2. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1302

text: Within 30 days after the date on which notice of the approval by the outstanding shares or the notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder, the shareholder shall submit to the corporation at its principal office or at the office of any transfer agent thereof, (a) if the shares are certificated securities, the shareholder’s certificates representing any shares which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase, to be stamped or endorsed with a statement that the shares are dissenting shares or to be exchanged for certificates of appropriate denomination so stamped or endorsed or (b) if the shares are uncertificated securities, written notice of the number of shares which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase. Upon subsequent transfers of the dissenting shares on the books of the corporation, the new certificates, initial transaction statement, and other written statements issued therefor shall bear a like statement, together with the name of the original dissenting holder of the shares.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 3. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1303

text:
(a) If the corporation and the shareholder agree that the shares are dissenting shares and agree upon the price of the shares, the dissenting shareholder is entitled to the agreed price with interest thereon at the legal rate on judgments from the date of the agreement. Any agreements fixing the fair market value of any dissenting shares as between the corporation and the holders thereof shall be filed with the secretary of the corporation.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 1306, payment of the fair market value of dissenting shares shall be made within 30 days after the amount thereof has been agreed or within 30 days after any statutory or contractual conditions to the reorganization are satisfied, whichever is later, and in the case of certificated securities, subject to surrender of the certificates therefor, unless provided otherwise by agreement.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 766, Sec. 24.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1304

text:
(a) If the corporation denies that the shares are dissenting shares, or the corporation and the shareholder fail to agree upon the fair market value of the shares, then the shareholder demanding purchase of such shares as dissenting shares or any interested corporation, within six months after the date on which notice of the approval by the outstanding shares (Section 152) or notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder, but not thereafter, may file a complaint in the superior court of the proper county praying the court to determine whether the shares are dissenting shares or the fair market value of the dissenting shares or both or may intervene in any action pending on such a complaint.

(b) Two or more dissenting shareholders may join as plaintiffs or be joined as defendants in any such action and two or more such actions may be consolidated.

(c) On the trial of the action, the court shall determine the issues. If the status of the shares as dissenting shares is in issue, the court shall first determine that issue. If the fair market value of the dissenting shares is in issue, the court shall determine, or shall appoint one or more impartial appraisers to determine, the fair market value of the shares.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 4. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1305

text:
(a) If the court appoints an appraiser or appraisers, they shall proceed forthwith to determine the fair market value per share. Within the time fixed by the court, the appraisers, or a majority of them, shall make and file a report in the office of the clerk of the court. Thereupon, on the motion of any party, the report shall be submitted to the court and considered on such evidence as the court considers relevant. If the court finds the report reasonable, the court may confirm it.

(b) If a majority of the appraisers appointed fail to make and file a report within 10 days from the date of their appointment or within such further time as may be allowed by the court or the report is not confirmed by the court, the court shall determine the fair market value of the dissenting shares.

(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 1306, judgment shall be rendered against the corporation for payment of an amount equal to the fair market value of each dissenting share multiplied by the number of dissenting shares which any dissenting shareholder who is a party, or who has intervened, is entitled to require the corporation to purchase, with interest thereon at the legal rate from the date on which judgment was entered.

(d) Any such judgment shall be payable forthwith with respect to uncertificated securities and, with respect to certificated securities, only upon the endorsement and delivery to the corporation of the certificates for the shares described in the judgment. Any party may appeal from the judgment.

(e) The costs of the action, including reasonable compensation to the appraisers to be fixed by the court, shall be assessed or apportioned as the court considers equitable, but, if the appraisal exceeds the price offered by the corporation, the corporation shall pay the costs (including in the discretion of the court attorneys’ fees, fees of expert witnesses and interest at the legal rate on judgments from the date of compliance with Sections 1300, 1301 and 1302 if the value awarded by the court for the shares is more than 125 percent of the price offered by the corporation under subdivision (a) of Section 1301).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 766, Sec. 25.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1306

text: To the extent that the provisions of Chapter 5 prevent the payment to any holders of dissenting shares of their fair market value, they shall become creditors of the corporation for the amount thereof together with interest at the legal rate on judgments until the date of payment, but subordinate to all other creditors in any liquidation proceeding, such debt to be payable when permissible under the provisions of Chapter 5.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 682.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1307

text: Cash dividends declared and paid by the corporation upon the dissenting shares after the date of approval of the reorganization by the outstanding shares (Section 152) and prior to payment for the shares by the corporation shall be credited against the total amount to be paid by the corporation therefor.

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1308

text: Except as expressly limited in this chapter, holders of dissenting shares continue to have all the rights and privileges incident to their shares, until the fair market value of their shares is agreed upon or determined. A dissenting shareholder may not withdraw a demand for payment unless the corporation consents thereto.

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1309

text:
Dissenting shares lose their status as dissenting shares and the holders thereof cease to be dissenting shareholders and cease to be entitled to require the corporation to purchase their shares upon the happening of any of the following:

(a) The corporation abandons the reorganization. Upon abandonment of the reorganization, the corporation shall pay on demand to any dissenting shareholder who has initiated proceedings in good faith under this chapter all necessary expenses incurred in such proceedings and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

(b) The shares are transferred prior to their submission for endorsement in accordance with Section 1302 or are surrendered for conversion into shares of another class in accordance with the articles.

(c) The dissenting shareholder and the corporation do not agree upon the status of the shares as dissenting shares or upon the purchase price of the shares, and neither files a complaint or intervenes in a pending action as provided in Section 1304, within six months after the date on which notice of the approval by the outstanding shares or notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder.

(d) The dissenting shareholder, with the consent of the corporation, withdraws the shareholder’s demand for purchase of the dissenting shares.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 5. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1310

text: If litigation is instituted to test the sufficiency or regularity of the votes of the shareholders in authorizing a reorganization, any proceedings under Sections 1304 and 1305 shall be suspended until final determination of such litigation.

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1311

text: This chapter, except Section 1312, does not apply to classes of shares whose terms and provisions specifically set forth the amount to be paid in respect to such shares in the event of a reorganization or merger.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 919, Sec. 8.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1312

text:
(a) No shareholder of a corporation who has a right under this chapter to demand payment of cash for the shares held by the shareholder shall have any right at law or in equity to attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger, or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, except in an action to test whether the number of shares required to authorize or approve the reorganization have been legally voted in favor thereof; but any holder of shares of a class whose terms and provisions specifically set forth the amount to be paid in respect to them in the event of a reorganization or short-form merger is entitled to payment in accordance with those terms and provisions or, if the principal terms of the reorganization are approved pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1202, is entitled to payment in accordance with the terms and provisions of the approved reorganization.

(b) If one of the parties to a reorganization or short-form merger is directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, another party to the reorganization or short-form merger, subdivision (a) shall not apply to any shareholder of such party who has not demanded payment of cash for such shareholder’s shares pursuant to this chapter; but if the shareholder institutes any action to attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, the shareholder shall not thereafter have any right to demand payment of cash for the shareholder’s shares pursuant to this chapter. The court in any action attacking the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded shall not restrain or enjoin the consummation of the transaction except upon 10 days’ prior notice to the corporation and upon a determination by the court that clearly no other remedy will adequately protect the complaining shareholder or the class of shareholders of which such shareholder is a member.

(c) If one of the parties to a reorganization or short-form merger is directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, another party to the reorganization or short-form merger, in any action to attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, (1) a party to a reorganization or short-form merger which controls another party to the reorganization or short-form merger shall have the burden of proving that the transaction is just and reasonable as to the shareholders of the controlled party, and (2) a person who controls two or more parties to a reorganization shall have the burden of proving that the transaction is just and reasonable as to the shareholders of any party so controlled.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 919, Sec. 9.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1313

text: A conversion pursuant to Chapter 11.5 (commencing with Section 1150) shall be deemed to constitute a reorganization for purposes of applying the provisions of this chapter, in accordance with and to the extent provided in Section 1159.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 480, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2003.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1400

text:
(a) Any domestic corporation with respect to which a proceeding has been initiated under any applicable statute of the United States, as now existing or hereafter enacted, relating to reorganizations of corporations, has full power and authority to put into effect and carry out any plan of reorganization and the orders of the court or judge entered in such proceeding and may take any proceeding and do any act provided in the plan or directed by such orders, without further action by its board or shareholders. Such power and authority may be exercised and such proceedings and acts may be taken, as may be directed by such orders, by the trustee or trustees of such corporation appointed in the reorganization proceeding (or a majority thereof), or if none is appointed and acting, by officers of the corporation designated or a master or other representative appointed by the court or judge, with like effect as if exercised and taken by unanimous action of the board and shareholders of the corporation.

(b) Such corporation may, in the manner provided in subdivision (a), but without limiting the generality or effect of subdivision (a), alter, amend or repeal its bylaws; constitute or reconstitute its board and name, constitute or appoint directors and officers in place of or in addition to all or some of the directors or officers then in office; amend its articles; make any change in its capital stock; make any other amendment, change, alteration or provision authorized by this division; be dissolved, transfer all or part of its assets or merge as permitted by this division, in which case, however, no shareholder shall have any statutory dissenter’s rights; change the location of its principal office or remove or appoint an agent to receive service of process; authorize and fix the terms, manner and conditions of the issuance of bonds, debentures or other obligations, whether or not convertible into shares of any class or bearing warrants or rights to purchase or subscribe to shares of any class; or lease its property and franchises to any corporation, if permitted by law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 617, Sec. 23. (SB 1202) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS

path: 1. CORPORATIONS > 1. GENERAL CORPORATION LAW > 14. Bankruptcy Reorganizations and Arrangements


citation: CORP § 1401

text:
(a) A certificate of any amendment, change or alteration or of dissolution or any agreement of merger made by a corporation pursuant to Section 1400 and executed as provided in subdivision (b), shall be filed and shall thereupon become effective in accordance with its terms and the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The certificate, agreement of merger, or other instrument shall be signed and verified, as may be directed by the orders of the court or judge, by the trustee or trustees appointed in the reorganization proceeding (or a majority thereof) or, if none is appointed and acting, by officers of the corporation designated or by a master or other representative appointed by the court or judge, and shall state that provision for the making of that certificate, agreement of merger, or instrument is contained in an order, identifying the same, of a court or judge having jurisdiction of a proceeding under a statute of the United States for the reorganization of that corporation.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a trustee, liquidating agent, responsible officer, or other representative appointed by the court for a corporation, with respect to which a proceeding has been initiated under any applicable statute of the United States as described in subdivision (a) of Section 1401.5 may execute and file a certificate of dissolution as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 1401.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 267, Sec. 1. (SB 340) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS

chapter: 14. Bankruptcy Reorganizations and Arrangements


text:
(a) A trustee, liquidating agent, responsible officer, or other representative appointed by the court for a corporation subject to an order for relief entered in a case under Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 1101) of Title 11 of the United States Code may sign and verify a certificate of dissolution when the corporation has been completely wound up.

(b) The certificate of dissolution shall state the following:

(1) The name of the corporation.

(2) That an order for relief was entered in a case under Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 1101) of Title 11 of the United States Code with respect to the corporation.

(3) The identification of the court in which the order for relief was entered and the court’s file number for the matter.

(4) That an order confirming a reorganization plan has been entered in that case.

(5) That the undersigned has been appointed by the court as a trustee, liquidating agent, responsible officer, or other representative of the corporation.

(6) That the shares of the corporation have been canceled pursuant to the terms of that plan.

(7) That the assets of the corporation have been distributed pursuant to the terms of that plan.

(8) That the corporation is dissolved.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 47. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1402

text: The provisions of this chapter shall cease to apply to a corporation upon the entry of a final decree in the reorganization proceeding closing the case and discharging the trustee or trustees, if any, whether or not jurisdiction may be retained thereafter by the court for limited purposes which do not relate to the consummation of the plan.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 500, Sec. 17. (AB 1059) Effective January 1, 2010.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1403

text: For filing any certificate, agreement or other paper pursuant to this chapter there shall be paid to the Secretary of State the same fees as are payable by corporations not in reorganization proceedings upon the filing of like certificates, agreements or other papers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 500, Sec. 18. (AB 1059) Effective January 1, 2010.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS


citation: CORP § 1500

text: Each corporation shall keep adequate and correct books and records of account and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its shareholders, board and committees of the board and shall keep at its principal office, or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its shareholders, giving the names and addresses of all shareholders and the number and class of shares held by each. Those minutes and other books and records shall be kept either in written form or in another form capable of being converted into clearly legible tangible form or in any combination of the foregoing. When minutes and other books and records are kept in a form capable of being converted into clearly legible paper form, the clearly legible paper form into which those minutes and other books and records are converted shall be admissible in evidence, and accepted for all other purposes, to the same extent as an original paper record of the same information would have been, provided that the paper form accurately portrays the record.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 617, Sec. 24. (SB 1202) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS

chapter: 15. Records and Reports

path: 1. CORPORATIONS > 1. GENERAL CORPORATION LAW > 15. Records and Reports


citation: CORP § 1501

text:
(a) (1) The board shall cause an annual report to be sent to the shareholders not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year, unless in the case of a corporation with less than 100 holders of record of its shares (determined as provided in Section 605) this requirement is expressly waived in the bylaws. Unless otherwise provided by the articles or bylaws and if approved by the board of directors, that report and any accompanying material sent pursuant to this section may be sent by electronic transmission by the corporation (Section 20). This report shall contain a balance sheet as of the end of that fiscal year and an income statement and a statement of cashflows for that fiscal year, accompanied by any report thereon of independent accountants or, if there is no report, the certificate of an authorized officer of the corporation that the statements were prepared without audit from the books and records of the corporation.

(2) Unless so waived, the report specified in paragraph (1) shall be sent to the shareholders at least 15 (or, if sent by third-class mail, 35) days before the annual meeting of shareholders to be held during the next fiscal year, but this requirement shall not limit the requirement for holding an annual meeting as required by Section 600.

(3) Notwithstanding Section 114, the financial statements of any corporation with fewer than 100 holders of record of its shares (determined as provided in Section 605) required to be furnished by this subdivision and subdivision (c) are not required to be prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles if they reasonably set forth the assets and liabilities and the income and expense of the corporation and disclose the accounting basis used in their preparation.

(4) The requirements described in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be satisfied if a corporation with an outstanding class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 complies with Section 240.14a-16 of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as it may be amended from time to time, with respect to the obligation of a corporation to furnish an annual report to shareholders pursuant to Section 240.14a-3(b) of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) In addition to the financial statements required by subdivision (a), the annual report of any corporation having 100 or more holders of record of its shares (determined as provided in Section 605) either not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or exempted from those reporting requirements by Section 12(g)(2) of that act, shall also describe briefly both of the following:

(1) Any transaction (excluding compensation of officers and directors) during the previous fiscal year involving an amount in excess of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) (other than contracts let at competitive bid or services rendered at prices regulated by law) to which the corporation or its parent or subsidiary was a party and in which any director or officer of the corporation or of a subsidiary or (if known to the corporation or its parent or subsidiary) any holder of more than 10 percent of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation had a direct or indirect material interest, naming the person and stating the person’s relationship to the corporation, the nature of the person’s interest in the transaction and, where practicable, the amount of the interest; provided that in the case of a transaction with a partnership of which the person is a partner, only the interest of the partnership need be stated; and provided further that no report need be made in the case of any transaction approved by the shareholders (Section 153).

(2) The amount and circumstances of any indemnification or advances aggregating more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) paid during the fiscal year to any officer or director of the corporation pursuant to Section 317; provided that no report need be made in the case of indemnification approved by the shareholders (Section 153) under paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 317.

(c) If no annual report for the last fiscal year has been sent to shareholders, the corporation shall, upon the written request of any shareholder made more than 120 days after the close of that fiscal year, deliver or mail to the person making the request within 30 days thereafter the financial statements required by subdivision (a) for that year. A shareholder or shareholders holding at least 5 percent of the outstanding shares of any class of a corporation may make a written request to the corporation for an income statement of the corporation for the three-month, six-month, or nine-month period of the current fiscal year ended more than 30 days before the date of the request and a balance sheet of the corporation as of the end of the period and, in addition, if no annual report for the last fiscal year has been sent to shareholders, the statements referred to in subdivision (a) for the last fiscal year. The statements shall be delivered or mailed to the person making the request within 30 days thereafter. A copy of the statements shall be kept on file in the principal office of the corporation for 12 months and it shall be exhibited at all reasonable times to any shareholder demanding an examination of the statements or a copy shall be mailed to the shareholder.

(d) The quarterly income statements and balance sheets referred to in this section shall be accompanied by the report thereon, if any, of any independent accountants engaged by the corporation or the certificate of an authorized officer of the corporation that the financial statements were prepared without audit from the books and records of the corporation.

(e) In addition to the penalties provided for in Section 2200, the superior court of the proper county shall enforce the duty of making and mailing or delivering the information and financial statements required by this section and, for good cause shown, may extend the time therefor.

(f) In any action or proceeding under this section, if the court finds the failure of the corporation to comply with the requirements of this section to have been without justification, the court may award an amount sufficient to reimburse the shareholder for the reasonable expenses incurred by the shareholder, including attorney’s fees, in connection with the action or proceeding.

(g) This section applies to any domestic corporation and also to a foreign corporation having its principal office in California or customarily holding meetings of its board in this state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 617, Sec. 25. (SB 1202) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 1. CORPORATIONS