Registration Requirements for Securities Brokers and Dealers

Most brokers and dealers are required under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with a self-regulatory organization such as a national stock exchange before engaging in the securities business.

Continuity of Existence in Choosing a Form of Business Organization

Continuity of existence is an important factor in choosing the structure of a business. The value of a business when viewed as a continuing or "going" concern is likely to be considered higher than the same business if it is being dissolved and its value is being distributed.

Director and Officer Liability under OSHA

Employers have a general duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)1 to provide a workplace free from "recognized" hazards. A violation of this duty can lead to criminal sanctions2 in addition to civil penalties. An employer can also be exposed to liability under occupational safety and health regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Department of Labor. Directors and high-level executive officers must act to reduce or eliminate workplace dangers or risk OSHA liability.

Disclosure of a Corporate Opportunity

Generally, a corporate director breaches the duty of loyalty if she seizes a business opportunity for herself that the corporation was financially capable of undertaking or in which the corporation had a reasonable interest or expectancy. Additionally, the director's loyalty is called into question if she takes personal advantage of a business opportunity that was in line with the corporation's business.

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.