问题:
% K! I& \0 S: L5 P7 K2 s This case is tried before you without a jury. Write the opinion.: ^* z* ?2 T5 f4 `% h3 b
案例2:
# |" }: a O1 J The articles of incorporation of Ergo, Inc. authorize the issuance of 400,000 Class A Common Shares and 1,000,000 Class B Common Shares, all of which are issued and outstanding.Dart owns all of the Class A shares and none of the Class B shares.Ergo’s Articles provide that Ergo has seven directors elected by straight voting, with Class A shares to elect four directors and Class B shares to elect three directors.! ^- c3 Z) t/ g. g' }
Several months ago, Ergo’s board of directors properly approved an expansion plan for the business that would require $5 million of additional capital.At their regular February 1 meeting, the directors discussed possible sources to fund the expansion plan.One Class B director suggested that Ergo borrow the funds from a bank.
; m7 x: ]- K: m1 R/ A Dart, who had elected herself as one of the Class A directors, suggested that Ergo issue a new class of shares that Dart would purchase for $5 million.The new class of shares (Class C Preferred) would be entitled to a cumulative preferred dividend.In support of this alternative, Dart presented an opinion from an independent investment bank that stated:
6 t( N' a; N2 T7 p& r7 X# o1 X7 x1 U (1)$5 million would be a fair value for the Class C Preferred, and0 [* @7 h' Y( O# i- X8 r3 `
(2)in the long run, payment of the proposed preferred dividend would be less costly to Ergo than interest payments on a loan.7 n4 S8 m! q. O# r7 k
After one hour of spirited discussion of these alternatives, all seven directors voted to recommend to the shareholders that Ergo’s Articles be amended to authorize the issuance of the Class C Preferred as proposed by Dart.A special meeting of the shareholders was properly called for the purpose of voting on the proposed amendment to the Articles.
5 L. t% \: i+ c g8 e* ^ Prior to that meeting, a proxy statement was issued to all shareholders disclosing all relevant information about the plan to issue the Class C Preferred to Dart.However, the proxy statement did not disclose the alternative funding method the Class B director initially proposed.At the shareholders meeting, a quorum was present, and the amendment to the Articles was adopted by the following vote: |