In navigating the complex world of private company mergers and acquisitions (M&A), understanding recent legal decisions is paramount. This white paper serves as a guide, distilling intricate court rulings into digestible insights for business professionals. From governance disputes to acquisition agreement nuances, each case discussed sheds light on pivotal aspects of M&A transactions. Through clear explanations and relatable examples, this compilation aims to empower readers with the knowledge needed to navigate the legal landscape effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned dealmaker or new to the M&A arena, this resource provides valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of corporate governance and transactional strategies.

Table of Contents

Governance Matters

1. New Enterprise Associates 14, L.P. v. Rich, 295 A.3d 520 (Del. Ch. May 2, 2023)
2. Colon v. Bumble, 305 A.3d 352 (Del. Ch. Sept. 12, 2023)
3. West Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Moelis & Co., 2024 WL 747180 (Del. Ch. Feb. 23, 2024)

Acquisition Agreement Provisions & Statutory Approval Requirements

4. Crispo v. Musk, 304 A.3d 567 (Del. Ch. Oct. 31, 2023)
5. HControl Holdings LLC v. Antin Infrastructure Partners S.A.S, 2023 WL 3698535 (Del. Ch. May 29, 2023)
6. Sjunde AP-Fonden v. Activision Blizzard, Inc., 2024 WL 863290 (Del. Ch. Feb. 29, 2024) 

Blasius/Unocal

7. Coster v. UIP Companies, Inc., 300 A.3d 656 (Del. June 28, 2023) 
8. In re AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. S’holder Litig., 2023 WL 5165606 (Del. Ch. Aug. 11, 2023)

Buyer Aiding and Abetting

9. In re Mindbody, Inc. S’holder Litig., 2023 WL 2518149 (Del. Ch. Mar. 15, 2023)
10. In re Columbia Pipeline Group, Merger Litig., 299 A.3d 393 (Del. Ch. June 30, 2023)

Controlling Stockholders

11. Palkon v. Maffei, 2024 WL 678204 (Del. Ch. Feb. 20, 2024)
12. In re Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. S’holder Litig., 309 A.3d 474 (Del. Ch. Jan. 24, 2024)

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Trevor A. Mullin contributed to this article.