In Maryland, and other states, a stockholder who does not believe that the purchase price to be paid by an acquirer is fair value has the right to object to the sale and receive payment for the fair value of the stock. The basic procedure for a stockholder to invoke that right is to object to the proposed transaction in writing, not vote in favor of the transaction and make a demand for payment of the stock. The target may then notify the stockholder of the price the target is willing to pay for the stock. If that price is not satisfactory to the owner, or the target does not notify the owner, then the owner may ask a court to obtain an appraisal to determine the fair value of the stock. If the court accepts the appraisal or, not accepting the appraisal, determines the fair value of the stock itself, the amount determined shall be entered as a judgment against the target. Although the use of these dissent and appraisal rights is rare, both parties to a sale transaction need to be aware of them, especially if the acquirer intends to purchase 100% of the target’s stock.

If you have any questions about this or any other M&A issue,
please contact Glenn Solomon at gsolomon@offitkurman.com or 443-738-1522.

ABOUT GLENN D. SOLOMON

gsolomon@offitkurman.com | 443-738-1522

Glenn D. Solomon is a principal at Offit Kurman and has provided counsel to businesses and business owners for more than twenty-five years. He has extensive experience in the purchase and sale of businesses, structuring ownership agreements, and advising companies in financial distress.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 150 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our ten offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia markets, as well as the Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City metropolitan areas. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

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