Business Law Newsletters

Guide to Remedies for Anticompetitive Mergers

The U.S. Department of Justice in October 2004 issued the "Antitrust Division Policy Guide to Merger Remedies" to provide insight for businesses into the policies that Antitrust Division attorneys and economists will follow in determining what remedies will be sought for mergers or acquisitions considered anticompetitive by the Department of Justice.

Investment Adviser Reporting Requirements

Investment advisers must file Form ADV with the Securities and Exchange Commission or with state offices for regulating securities. Investment advisers who manage $25 million or more in client assets must file the form and register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Advisers managing smaller amounts of assets must file Form ADV with state securities regulators.

Investor Suitability Requirements for Broker Dealer Recommendations

Broker dealers may make investment recommendations to investors only if the broker dealer first determines that the recommended investment would be suitable for the investor. Suitability depends upon the investor's tolerance for risk, other investments, income, net worth, financial requirements, and investment objectives.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board

Municipal bonds and other securities offerings by governmental entities generally are exempt from federal securities law registration requirements. However, information about such offerings is available from sources other than the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ultra Vires Acts

In most states, the duty of obedience is recognized as one of the three fiduciary duties a director owes to the corporation. One component of the duty of obedience is that a director is prohibited from committing an ultra vires act. Ultra vires, translated from the Latin, means "beyond powers." An ultra vires act is beyond the scope of the powers bestowed on the corporation (and the director) by the corporate charter or bylaws. Thus, a director commits an ultra vires act when he acts without or beyond the authority vested in him by the corporation.