This authoritative research tool covers all aspects of California corporate law and practice, providing clear, reliable guidance to the laws, legislative history, and major case law holdings, as well as the authors' well-known expertise and advice on approaching and understanding key corporate transactions. There is no better source on how to handle all key corporate transactions, from corporate formation and governance to takeovers and bankruptcies. Completely current, there is full coverage and insightful, expert analysis of all the critical new issues affecting California corporate law practice, including: What are the various business entities available in California?What are the methods and issues involved in forming those entities?What are the particular benefits of, and restrictions on, using a Limited Liability Company in California?What are the issues involved in financing a California corporation?What are the fiduciary duties imposed upon directors, officers, and controlling shareholders of California corporations?How do you provide notice and hold meetings of directors and shareholders of California corporations?What are the restrictions imposed upon officers and directors in the operation of California corporations?Under what circumstances can a California corporation pay a dividend or make a distribution of property to its shareholders?What are the issues involved in acquiring California corporations, whether by merger, purchase of stock, or purchase of assets?How and under what circumstances can a California corporation be dissolved?What are the issues and requirements faced by a foreign corporation conducting business in California?

SmartStart Your Business Today! How to Start a Business in California is your road map to avoiding operational, legal and financial pitfalls and breaking through the bureaucratic red tape that often entangles new entrepreneurs. This all-in-one resource goes a step beyond other business how-to books to give you a jump-start on planning for your business. It provides you with: Valuable state-specific sample forms and letters on CD-ROM Mailing addresses, telephone numbers and websites for the federal, state, local and private agencies that will help get your business up and running State population statistics, income and consumption rates, major industry trends and overall business incentives to give you a better picture of doing business in California Checklists, sample forms and a complete sample business plan to assist you with numerous startup details State-specific information on issues like choosing a legal form, selecting a business name, obtaining licenses and permits, registering to pay taxes and knowing your employer responsibilities Federal and state options for financing your new venture Resources, cost information, statistics and regulations have all been updated. That, plus a new easier-to-use layout putting all the state-specific information in one block of chapters, make this your must-have guide to getting your business off the ground.