Disclosure of Material Facts

The duty of disclosure is a component of the duty of loyalty, but it also implicates the director's obligation to act with due care and in good faith. As part of the duty of care, a director should reveal all relevant material information that he possesses about a transaction to all who are in the position of making a decision about that transaction. The director has a duty to make an informed decision because it will ultimately affect the corporate interest and welfare.

Public Reporting Requirements for Major Company Events

Major events for public companies must be made public through the filing of Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Form 8-K must be filed within four days after the events outlined in Sections 1 through 5 and 9 below.

Reporting Requirements for Public Company Insiders

Officers, directors, and beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of the shares of a public company must report their ownership of shares of the company to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Company officers and directors are considered corporate insiders. Beneficial holders of more than 10% of a class of a company's equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act also are considered corporate insiders. Such insiders are required to report their holdings to the Commission when they first acquire company stock and when changes in their ownership occur.

The Intrastate Offering Exemption from SEC Registration Requirements

Securities may be sold without first being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission if one of several exemptions applies. An exemption does not allow the use of any false or misleading statements in the offer or sale of the securities, and the offering may still be subject to requirements under state laws. However, if an exemption is applicable, then the expense and burden of the initial registration and periodic reporting of substantial information about the company may be avoided.

Formation of a Partnership

A partnership is created when members of the partnership intentionally join together to carry on a business that is not incorporated. Members, or partners, may be individuals, trusts, estates, corporations, or other partnerships.