Protection of Close Corporation Minority Shareholders in the United States

Abstract

This paper discusses the problems and legal protections of minority shareholders in close corporations in the United States. Minority shareholders in their corporation may be concerned with having voice, access to information, some control, return and ability to exit. In addition, minority investors are often concerned that those in control will act opportunistically and take advantage of their control for personal benefit. It is important to understand how corporate law default rules deal with these issues and the extent to which the minority shareholders are protected while allowing those in control to exercise their power. While these issues can all be addressed by shareholders contracting for protection ex ante, those without contracts also have some legal protections ex post.